 The mission of Connecting Youth (CY) is to promote a culture that develops in our youth the power and conviction to make healthy choices. Our primary purpose is to encourage a "no-use" community norm around alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by young people. Our strategies include comprehensive planning and coordination of education, prevention, and early intervention programs. We believe success can be achieved only by involving all segments of our communities, including families, schools, businesses, law enforcement, health care professionals, civic groups, and faith institutions. Learn more...
BINGO ANSWERS FOR CY NEWSLETTER GAME
Three-quarters of CSSU 8th graders have never tried alcohol in their lifetime, meaning more than a few sips.
TRUE—our trend data is excellent and is much lower than the state average. Only 24% of our 8th graders reported ever trying alcohol, vs. 37% for VT 8th graders. |
5% of CSSU 7th graders reported smoking cigarettes in the past year.
FALSE—this number is actually 0%! Overall, tobacco use has been on a steady decline among all grade levels and we are pleased to report that fewer youth are getting hooked at an early age. |
In 2009, there was a noticeable increase in alcohol and marijuana use among 11th graders.
TRUE—past 30-day use of alcohol spiked from 39% in 2007 to 44% in 2009 and marijuana use went from 40% to 43%. |
Overall, CSSU data for use of substances by 8th—12th graders is lower than the state averages in Vermont.
TRUE—smoking rates among 8th – 12th graders are half that of the state average, while alcohol and marijuana use are at least 5% points less. Prescription drug abuse is only slightly less than the VT average. |
20% of all CSSU 8th – 12th graders qualify as “overweight” according to data on BMI (body mass index).
FALSE—10% qualify as overweight and 6% qualify as obese. However, distorted body image continues to be a problem, particularly among girls: 27% think they are overweight, yet 51% are trying to lose weight. |
The number of CSSU 6th and 7th graders reporting to feel stressed at school decreased significantly from 2007 to 2009.
FALSE—stress levels among youth are rising. For 6th graders this number went from 40% to 42% and for 7th graders it went from 49% to 56%. |
The percentage of CSSU youth reporting ever to have had sex is increasing—particularly at the 9th and 10th grades.
TRUE—15% of 9th graders and 27% of 10th graders report ever having had sexual intercourse. This number jumps to 59% at the 12th grade. |
15% of all CSSU 8th-12th graders reported signs of clinical depression in the past year.
TRUE—This number has remained the same over the last two years. 11% of CSSU youth also reported “cutting” (purposely hurting themselves but without wanting to die). |
Only 52% of CSSU 8th—12th graders reported feeling like they matter to their community.
FALSE—Actually 62% of youth reported feeling like they matter to their community. This percent is on the rise and is much higher than the state average of 47%. |
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