The Pennsylvania Department of Crime and Delinquency has released it’s 2023 survey results. The survey, also known as PAYS, has been administered in the state since 1989. It gathers information on student behaviors, attitudes, knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and violence for students between the 6th and 12th grades.

According to Mike Pennington, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency, there have been some positive findings in the results.

“So, 68% of the students report high levels of attachment to their families. 68%, 6,864% report their families, provide opportunities for positive social engagement activities. And a little over 93% of students in all grades reported that their parents know where they are and know who they're with. And about 86% of the kids reported that there are clear family roles and alcohol and drug use about alcohol and drug use.”

The survey also discovered a rise in mental health concerns and bullying.

“Almost 38% of students reported feeling sad or depressed most days, and 37% of seniors reporting that at times, you know, feeling that they don't think they're good at all. You know, about 16% of eighth graders reported self-harming behavior and 32% of kids reported being bullied. And, and also considered seriously considered suicide over the past year. And just some other concerns to note, 56% of kids reported low commitment to school. 64% of students feel, you know, tired and not ready for school frequently at school. And 20% of students worried that food aid would run out before their families could buy more. You know, some of that food and stability and security.”

These results help to put in place resources and organizations to improve the needs of students in schools and in the communities.

“The Shapiro Davis administration has invested heavily in school safety and especially to support behavioral health needs of kids. So, this year, we just in this year's budget, $100 million was approved to support school safety and school security. And a significant portion of that goes for behavioral health support for kids. So, it gives schools the flexibility to implement the programs that are needed at the local level. So, we're providing resources to help them implement the programs that they need based on what they're seeing at the school level. So we're making a tremendous investment. So, some of that is to continue existing programs and some of that is to implement new programs based on, I think what they're seeing locally as what's needed most to support their students.”