ROANOKE, Va. – On Thursday, officials from schools in Roanoke discussed the results of a study on the risks faced by adolescents.
The Roanoke County School Board was presented with information on the 2022 Youth Behavior Risk Survey. This survey asks questions about drug and alcohol usage among students in middle and high school.
The results showed that the number of students who used alcohol and marijuana had declined.
On the other hand, the study found that concerns about mental health have increased.
According to Nancy Hans, who works with the Prevention Council, it is vital for schools to ensure that their students are aware of the resources that are at their disposal.
“So many people are important in their lives. The coaches, teachers, maybe an older sibling. This is where we really need to give a toolbox to the parents and also to the kids to know that somebody is there for you to talk to,” said Han.
Hans continued by saying that there would be a significant effort made this school year to educate students about the risks posed by fentanyl.
