Indicators:

Data Set:

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Notes / Source / Definition:

Demographic: 8th (Grade)

Population

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Population

Alcohol Use

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Alcohol in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 3,637.0 9.2% 3,309.0 7.9% 3,340.0 8.0%
Metro 1,730.0 8.5% 1,485.0 6.7% 1,522.0 6.9%
Non-Metro 1,907.0 10.0% 1,824.0 9.2% 1,818.0 9.2%

About the Indicator:

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance nationally and statewide, and is associated with a number of adverse health and social consequences. Reported use of alcohol in the past 30 days is a common measure of recent alcohol use. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30 day alcohol use was reported by 24.4% of 9th graders and 39.2% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report alcohol use were 2.6 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.4 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 1.9 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.3 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report use were 1.7 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.4 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.6 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using alcohol monthly or more often were 1.8 times more likely to think that most students in their school also drank monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't drink. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.7 times more likely themselves to report using alcohol that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Alcohol in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 3,637 9.2% 3,325 7.9% 3,340 8.0% 1,627 5.1%
East Central 545 9.4% 459 8.8% 558 9.3% 287 6.6%
Metro 1,730 8.5% 1,496 6.7% 1,522 6.9% 740 4.4%
Non-Metro 3,092 9.2% 1,829 9.2% 1,818 9.2% 887 6.0%
Northwest 187 10.9% 158 9.6% 181 10.9% 71 6.4%
Northeast 250 11.9% 200 11.4% 204 9.9% 100 5.9%
Southeast 315 9.5% 334 8.7% 344 8.4% 169 5.6%
Southwest 352 9.7% 272 8.2% 306 8.6% 162 5.4%
West Central 258 10.3% 240 10.4% 225 9.8% 98 5.8%

About the Indicator:

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance nationally and statewide, and is associated with a number of adverse health and social consequences. Reported use of alcohol in the past 30 days is a common measure of recent alcohol use. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30 day alcohol use was reported by 24.4% of 9th graders and 39.2% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report alcohol use were 2.6 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.4 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 1.9 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.3 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report use were 1.7 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.4 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.6 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using alcohol monthly or more often were 1.8 times more likely to think that most students in their school also drank monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't drink. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.7 times more likely themselves to report using alcohol that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Having 5 or More Drinks in a Row on at Least One Occasion in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,157 2.9% 940 2.3% 935 2.3%
East Central 160 2.8% 142 2.7% 172 2.9%
Metro 532 2.6% 429 1.9% 353 1.6%
Non-Metro 625 3.3% 511 2.8% 582 3.0%
Northwest 58 3.4% 60 3.6% 56 3.4%
Northeast 102 4.9% 70 4.0% 75 3.7%
Southeast 106 3.2% 97 2.5% 112 2.7%
Southwest 109 3.0% 75 2.3% 98 2.8%
West Central 90 3.6% 67 2.9% 69 3.0%

About the Indicator:

Up through the 2016 MSS, acute, short-term “binge drinking” was defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol on a single occasion. In 2019, the binge drinking definition changed to 5 or more drinks for male students and 4 or more drinks for female students. Therefore, trend data for female students CANNOT BE COMPARED between 2013/2016 and 2019.

Up until 2010, the MSS asked students about past two-week binge drinking; in 2013 they were asked about past 30-day binge drinking.

Binge drinking has been associated with alcohol related injuries and deaths, as well as violence and crime. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol. 

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 13.5% of 9th graders and 24.6% of 11th graders reported binge drinking in the past month nationally.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Having 5 or More Drinks in a Row on at Least One Occasion in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,157.0 2.9% 988.0 2.3% 935.0 2.3%
Metro 532.0 2.6% 429.0 1.9% 353.0 1.6%
Non-Metro 625.0 3.3% 559.0 2.8% 582.0 3.0%

About the Indicator:

Acute, short-term “binge drinking” is defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol on a single occasion. Up until 2010, the MSS asked students about past two week binge drinking; in 2013 they were asked about past 30 day binge drinking. Binge drinking has been associated with alcohol related injuries and deaths, as well as violence and crime. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol. 

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 13.5% of 9th graders and 24.6% of 11th graders reported binge drinking in the past month nationally.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Alcohol Consequences

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Alcohol Consequences

Alcohol Treatment

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Alcohol Treatment

Alcohol Intervening Variables

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Frequently Binge Drinking, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 27,181.0 72.1% 29,094.0 70.4% 29,002.0 71.7%
Metro 14,399.0 74.8% 15,858.0 72.6% 15,679.0 73.6%
Non-Metro 12,782.0 69.2% 13,236.0 68.0% 13,323.0 69.5%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they have 5 or more drinks of alcohol once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Frequently Binge Drinking, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 27,181.0 72.1% 28,012.0 70.6% 29,002.0 71.7% 19,714.0 64.7%
East Central 3,902.0 69.7% 3,544.0 68.8% 4,084.0 70.2% 2,656.0 64.2%
Metro 14,399.0 74.8% 15,858.0 72.6% 15,679.0 73.6% 10,907.0 67.3%
Non-Metro 12,782.0 69.2% 12,154.0 68.1% 13,323.0 69.5% 8,807.0 61.8%
Northwest 1,081.0 65.9% 1,070.0 65.5% 1,085.0 66.2% 643.0 59.5%
Northeast 1,402.0 68.4% 1,181.0 67.8% 1,436.0 71.9% 1,002.0 61.4%
Southeast 2,286.0 70.6% 2,573.0 68.1% 2,813.0 70.1% 1,732.0 59.8%
Southwest 2,463.0 69.7% 2,263.0 69.3% 2,364.0 68.2% 1,749.0 60.6%
West Central 1,648.0 68.4% 1,523.0 67.0% 1,541.0 69.1% 1,025.0 63.2%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they have 5 or more drinks of alcohol once or twice per week.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Alcohol in the Past 30 Days, Who Bought the Alcohol from Someone or Somewhere, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 237 6.5% 155 4.7%
East Central 27 5.0% 18 3.2%
Metro 126 7.3% 74 4.9%
Non-Metro 111 5.8% 81 4.5%
Northwest 14 7.5% 7 3.9%
Northeast 20 8.0% 7 3.4%
Southeast 17 5.4% 29 8.4%
Southwest 20 5.7% 12 3.9%
West Central 13 5.0% 8 3.6%

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they purchased alcohol from one or more of the following sources: gas stations, convenience stores, bars or restaurants, liquor stores, or on the internet.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Alcohol Use in the Past 30 Days, Who Bought the Alcohol from Someone or Somewhere, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 237 6.5%
Metro 126 7.3%
Non-Metro 111 5.8%

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they purchased alcohol from one or more of the following sources: gas stations, convenience stores, bars or restaurants, liquor stores, or on the internet.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

 

Access questions were not asked in 2016.


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Alcohol Use in the Past 30 Days, Who Got the Alcohol from Someone or Somewhere, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,998 54.9% 2,341 70.3%
East Central 280 51.4% 396 71.0%
Metro 966 55.8% 1,053 69.6%
Non-Metro 1,032 54.1% 1,288 70.9%
Northwest 100 53.5% 127 70.2%
Northeast 152 60.8% 144 70.6%
Southeast 163 51.7% 241 70.1%
Southwest 193 54.8% 207 67.6%
West Central 144 55.8% 173 77.2%

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they got alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their friends, their parents, other family members, getting someone else to buy it for them, or at parties.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Alcohol Use in the Past 30 Days, Who Got the Alcohol from Someone or Somewhere, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,998 54.9% 2,341 70.3%
Metro 966 55.8% 1,053 69.6%
Non-Metro 1,032 54.1% 1,288 70.9%

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they got alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their friends, their parents, other family members, getting someone else to buy it for them, or at parties.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Alcohol Use in the Past 30 Days, Who Took the Alcohol from Someone or Somewhere, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,257 34.6% 1,234 37.0%
East Central 191 35.0% 225 40.3%
Metro 599 34.6% 551 36.4%
Non-Metro 658 34.5% 683 37.6%
Northwest 54 28.9% 67 37.0%
Northeast 108 43.2% 82 40.2%
Southeast 103 32.7% 121 35.2%
Southwest 122 34.7% 123 40.2%
West Central 80 31.0% 65 29.0%

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they took alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their home, a friend’s home, or from stores.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.


Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Alcohol Use in the Past 30 Days, Who Took the Alcohol from Someone or Somewhere, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,257 34.6% 1,234 37.0%
Metro 599 34.6% 551 36.4%
Non-Metro 658 34.5% 683 37.6%

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they took alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their home, a friend’s home, or from stores.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.


Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Have One or Two Drinks of an Alcohol Beverage Nearly Every Day, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 35,336 93.2% 36,338 91.2% 37,057 91.8% 27,363 90.3%
East Central 5,209 92.5% 4,694 90.9% 5,332 91.7% 3,716 90.5%
Metro 18,208 94.1% 20,041 91.4% 19,564 92.2% 14,645 90.8%
Non-Metro 17,128 92.3% 16,297 90.9% 17,493 91.4% 12,718 89.8%
Northwest 1,534 92.6% 1,494 91.0% 1,459 89.5% 937 87.6%
Northeast 1,865 90.7% 1,604 91.9% 1,844 92.2% 1,469 90.6%
Southeast 2,983 92.1% 3,455 90.7% 3,650 91.0% 2,542 88.1%
Southwest 3,272 92.4% 2,979 90.9% 3,168 91.6% 2,595 90.0%
West Central 2,265 93.4% 2,071 90.4% 2,040 91.3% 1,459 90.9%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Have One or Two Drinks of an Alcohol Beverage Nearly Every Day, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 35,336 93.2% 37,813 91.2% 37,057 91.8%
Metro 18,208 94.1% 20,041 91.4% 19,564 92.2%
Non-Metro 17,128 92.3% 17,772 90.9% 17,493 91.4%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That Parents and Other Adults Should Clearly Communicate with Their Children about the Importance of Not Using Alcohol, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 31,754 85.0%
East Central 4,719 85.0%
Metro 16,063 84.6%
Non-Metro 15,691 85.5%
Northwest 1,418 86.5%
Northeast 1,744 85.6%
Southeast 2,737 85.3%
Southwest 3,036 86.2%
West Central 2,037 84.9%

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That Parents and Other Adults Should Clearly Communicate with Their Children about the Importance of Not Using Alcohol, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 31,754 85.0%
Metro 16,063 84.6%
Non-Metro 15,691 85.5%

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That Drinking Alcohol is Never a Good Thing for Anyone Their Age to Do, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 31,279 83.8%
East Central 4,616 83.0%
Metro 15,904 83.8%
Non-Metro 15,375 83.8%
Northwest 1,388 84.6%
Northeast 1,685 83.0%
Southeast 2,697 84.3%
Southwest 2,953 84.1%
West Central 2,036 84.8%

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That Drinking Alcohol is Never a Good Thing for Anyone Their Age to Do, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 31,279 83.8%
Metro 15,904 83.8%
Non-Metro 15,375 83.8%

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Think Most Students in Their School Drink Alcohol Monthly or More Often, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number
Minnesota 28.2% 10,483 21.5% 8,510 24.6% 9,790
East Central 29.1% 1,615 24.4% 1,256 30.6% 1,755
Metro 25.1% 4,753 17.1% 3,734 19.5% 4,082
Non-Metro 31.3% 5,730 26.8% 4,776 30.3% 5,708
Northwest 34.4% 560 32.6% 531 37.2% 598
Northeast 38.9% 793 34.4% 597 36.4% 714
Southeast 31.3% 1,001 25.0% 942 25.1% 989
Southwest 28.5% 1,003 26.8% 876 29.1% 991
West Central 31.8% 758 25.3% 574 30.2% 661

About the Indicator:

When asked how often they think MOST STUDENTS at their school drink alcohol, 53% of Minnesota’s 8th, 9th, and 11th graders responded with monthly or more often. In reality, past month alcohol use was reported by 17% of students. Students who believe that most students do drink alcohol monthly or more often are over 6.5 times more likely to report they drink alcohol monthly or more often themselves, as compared to students who perceive that most students don’t drink monthly or more often.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Think Most Students in Their School Drink Alcohol Monthly or More Often, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 10,483 28.2% 8,963 21.7% 9,790 24.6%
Metro 4,753 25.1% 3,734 17.1% 4,082 19.5%
Non-Metro 5,730 31.3% 5,229 26.9% 5,708 30.3%

About the Indicator:

When asked how often they think MOST STUDENTS at their school drink alcohol, 53% of Minnesota’s 8th, 9th, and 11th graders responded with monthly or more often. In reality, past month alcohol use was reported by 17% of students. Students who believe that most students do drink alcohol monthly or more often are over 6.5 times more likely to report they drink alcohol monthly or more often themselves, as compared to students who perceive that most students don’t drink monthly or more often.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Tobacco and Nicotine Use

8th Students Reporting Smoking a Cigarette on One or More Days within the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,684 4.2% 1,169 2.8% 994 2.4%
Metro 733 3.6% 456 2.0% 370 1.7%
Non-Metro 951 5.0% 713 3.6% 624 3.2%

About the Indicator:

Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of cigarettes. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30-day cigarette smoking was reported by 10.2% of 9th graders and 21.1% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, those students who reported using tobacco monthly or more often were 2 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used tobacco monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.4 times more likely themselves to report using tobacco that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Smoking a Cigarette on One or More Days within the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,684 4.2% 1,169 2.8% 994 2.4% 556 1.7%
East Central 278 4.8% 154 3.0% 171 2.9% 89 2.1%
Metro 733 3.6% 456 2.0% 370 1.7% 229 1.4%
Non-Metro 951 5.0% 647 3.6% 624 3.2% 327 2.2%
Northwest 108 6.3% 86 5.2% 68 4.1% 29 2.6%
Northeast 161 7.7% 91 5.2% 84 4.1% 30 1.8%
Southeast 140 4.2% 105 2.7% 108 2.6% 61 2.0%
Southwest 138 3.8% 106 3.2% 112 3.2% 65 2.2%
West Central 126 5.0% 105 4.6% 81 3.5% 53 3.1%

About the Indicator:

Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth.  Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of cigarettes.  In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).  

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30 day cigarette smoking was reported by 10.2% of 9th graders and 21.1% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, those students who reported using tobacco monthly or more often were 2 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used tobacco monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who

think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.4 times more likely themselves to report using tobacco that often.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Using an E-Cigarette on One or More Days within the Past 30 Days, 2016 - 2022: by Location

2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 2,316 5.7% 4,589 11.1% 1,772 5.6%
East Central 336 6.5% 726 12.1% 304 7.1%
Metro 1,240 5.6% 2,163 9.9% 803 4.8%
Non-Metro 1,076 5.9% 2,426 12.4% 969 6.5%
Northwest 117 7.1% 232 13.9% 79 7.1%
Northeast 115 6.5% 344 16.9% 130 7.8%
Southeast 212 5.5% 484 11.8% 176 5.8%
Southwest 176 5.3% 387 10.9% 171 5.7%
West Central 120 5.2% 253 11.1% 109 6.4%

8th Students Reporting Using an E-Cigarette on One or More Days within the Past 30 Days, 2016 - 2019: by Location

2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 2,406 5.7% 4,589 11.1%
Metro 1,240 5.6% 2,163 9.9%
Non-Metro 1,166 5.9% 2,426 12.4%

8th Students Reporting Any Tobacco or Nicotine Use on One or More Days within the Past 30 Days, 2016 - 2019: by Location

2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 2,879 7.1% 4,713 11.5%
East Central 411 7.9% 749 12.6%
Metro 1,437 6.5% 2,205 10.2%
Non-Metro 1,442 8.0% 2,508 12.9%
Northwest 161 9.8% 243 14.7%
Northeast 169 9.6% 354 17.6%
Southeast 271 7.1% 487 12.0%
Southwest 234 7.1% 405 11.5%
West Central 196 8.5% 270 11.9%

About the Indicator: Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of any of the following substances: cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos or little cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; e-cigarettes; or hookah. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Tobacco or Nicotine Use on One or More Days within the Past 30 Days, 2016 - 2019: by Location

2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 2,406 5.7% 4,713 11.5%
Metro 1,240 5.6% 2,205 10.2%
Non-Metro 1,166 5.9% 2,508 12.9%

About the Indicator: Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of any of the following substances: cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos or little cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; e-cigarettes; or hookah. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Tobacco and Nicotine Consequences

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Tobacco and Nicotine Consequences

Tobacco and Nicotine Intervening Variables

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Smoking Cigarettes, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 30,069.0 79.5% 32,071.0 77.6% 32,259.0 79.6%
Metro 15,454.0 80.1% 17,055.0 78.0% 17,074.0 80.0%
Non-Metro 14,615.0 79.0% 15,016.0 77.1% 15,185.0 79.1%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked cigarettes.  Low perceived risk of harm increases the likelihood of use.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Smoking Cigarettes, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 30,069.0 79.5% 30,812.0 77.6% 32,259.0 79.6% 22,835.0 74.7%
East Central 4,449.0 79.3% 4,019.0 78.0% 4,608.0 79.0% 3,198.0 77.0%
Metro 15,454.0 80.1% 17,055.0 78.0% 17,074.0 80.0% 12,245.0 75.2%
Non-Metro 14,615.0 79.0% 13,757.0 77.0% 15,185.0 79.1% 10,590.0 74.0%
Northwest 1,267.0 76.9% 1,249.0 76.3% 1,265.0 77.1% 786.0 72.6%
Northeast 1,620.0 78.9% 1,340.0 76.8% 1,653.0 82.7% 1,244.0 75.9%
Southeast 2,622.0 80.9% 2,869.0 75.8% 3,154.0 78.5% 1,999.0 68.7%
Southwest 2,801.0 79.2% 2,512.0 76.9% 2,700.0 77.8% 2,091.0 72.0%
West Central 1,856.0 76.8% 1,768.0 77.7% 1,805.0 80.8% 1,272.0 78.3%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked cigarettes.  Low perceived risk of harm increases the likelihood of use.
"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Smoke Cigarettes, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,016 94.8% 37,156 93.2% 37,979 94.0% 28,175 92.8%
East Central 5,339 94.8% 4,812 93.2% 5,494 94.3% 3,857 93.7%
Metro 18,503 95.4% 20,474 93.4% 20,000 94.1% 15,022 92.9%
Non-Metro 17,513 94.3% 16,682 93.0% 17,979 93.8% 13,153 92.6%
Northwest 1,567 94.5% 1,521 92.7% 1,505 92.2% 975 90.8%
Northeast 1,906 92.8% 1,631 93.5% 1,904 95.1% 1,512 92.8%
Southeast 3,059 94.2% 3,529 92.7% 3,750 93.5% 2,623 90.9%
Southwest 3,336 94.0% 3,061 93.3% 3,228 93.4% 2,682 92.8%
West Central 2,306 94.9% 2,128 93.0% 2,098 94.0% 1,504 93.5%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking cigarettes. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke cigarettes. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Smoke Cigarettes, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,016 94.8% 38,668 93.2% 37,979 94.0%
Metro 18,503 95.4% 20,474 93.4% 20,000 94.1%
Non-Metro 17,513 94.3% 18,194 93.1% 17,979 93.8%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put Themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Using E-Cigarettes, 2019 - 2022: by Location

2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 24,518.0 60.7% 20,175.0 66.3%
East Central 3,575.0 61.6% 2,791.0 67.5%
Metro 12,934.0 60.8% 10,877.0 67.2%
Non-Metro 11,584.0 60.6% 9,298.0 65.3%
Northwest 969.0 59.2% 693.0 64.1%
Northeast 1,203.0 60.3% 1,078.0 66.2%
Southeast 2,403.0 60.0% 1,774.0 61.2%
Southwest 2,064.0 59.8% 1,862.0 64.4%
West Central 1,370.0 61.5% 1,100.0 68.0%

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put Themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Using E-Cigarettes, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 24,518.0 60.7%
Metro 12,934.0 60.8%
Non-Metro 11,584.0 60.6%

8th Students Reporting That They Think Most Students Use a Vaping Device or E-cigarette Monthly or More Often, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 18,559.0 46.6%
East Central 3,115.0 54.3%
Metro 9,043.0 43.2%
Non-Metro 9,516.0 50.4%
Northwest 879.0 54.5%
Northeast 1,163.0 59.0%
Southeast 1,860.0 47.1%
Southwest 1,482.0 43.5%
West Central 1,017.0 46.3%

8th Students Reporting that they Believe their Parents Would Think it's Very Wrong or Wrong if they Vaped or Used E-cigarettes, 2019 - 2022: by Location

2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,340.0 90.1% 27,727.0 91.5%
East Central 5,264.0 90.6% 3,759.0 91.5%
Metro 19,162.0 90.3% 14,829.0 91.9%
Non-Metro 17,178.0 89.8% 12,898.0 91.0%
Northwest 1,433.0 88.1% 961.0 89.7%
Northeast 1,796.0 89.8% 1,486.0 91.5%
Southeast 3,591.0 89.6% 2,585.0 89.6%
Southwest 3,093.0 89.7% 2,636.0 91.4%
West Central 2,001.0 89.8% 1,471.0 91.7%

8th Students Reporting that they Believe their Friends Would Think it's Very Wrong or Wrong if they Vaped or Used E-cigarettes, 2019 - 2022: by Location

2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 28,255.0 70.2% 24,153.0 80.4%
East Central 4,062.0 70.1% 3,266.0 80.1%
Metro 14,876.0 70.2% 12,895.0 80.8%
Non-Metro 13,379.0 70.1% 11,258.0 80.0%
Northwest 1,101.0 67.8% 836.0 78.4%
Northeast 1,286.0 64.5% 1,251.0 77.8%
Southeast 2,799.0 69.9% 2,293.0 79.8%
Southwest 2,512.0 72.8% 2,325.0 81.3%
West Central 1,619.0 72.6% 1,287.0 81.0%

Illicit Drug Use

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Marijuana in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 2,038 5.2% 1,936 4.6% 1,755 4.3%
Metro 1,190 5.9% 999 4.5% 839 3.9%
Non-Metro 848 4.5% 937 4.7% 916 4.7%

About the Indicator:

Current marijuana use is often assessed with measures of reported use in the past 30 days (30-day use). Students were asked about their use of marijuana, bud, weed, pot, hashish, hash, or hash oil.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.7% of 9th graders and 25.5% of 11th graders nationally reported any past 30 day marijuana use.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 2.7 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.3 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2.3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.1 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.5 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 1.9 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.6 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.8 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.4 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using marijuana monthly or more often were 1.9 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used marijuana monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.6 times more likely themselves to report using marijuana that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Marijuana in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 2,038 5.2% 1,864 4.6% 1,755 4.3% 941 3.0%
East Central 244 4.2% 226 4.3% 248 4.2% 136 3.2%
Metro 1,190 5.9% 999 4.5% 839 3.9% 468 2.8%
Non-Metro 848 4.5% 865 4.8% 916 4.7% 473 3.2%
Northwest 107 6.3% 115 7.0% 103 6.2% 42 3.8%
Northeast 125 6.0% 108 6.1% 139 6.8% 64 3.9%
Southeast 134 4.0% 179 4.6% 188 4.6% 87 2.9%
Southwest 152 4.2% 129 3.9% 134 3.8% 88 2.9%
West Central 86 3.5% 108 4.7% 104 4.6% 56 3.3%

About the Indicator:

Current marijuana use is often assessed with measures of reported use in the past 30 days (30-day use). Students were asked about their use of marijuana, bud, weed, pot, hashish, hash, or hash oil.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.7% of 9th graders and 25.5% of 11th graders nationally reported any past 30 day marijuana use.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 2.7 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.3 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2.3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.1 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.5 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 1.9 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.6 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.8 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.4 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using marijuana monthly or more often were 1.9 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used marijuana monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.6 times more likely themselves to report using marijuana that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Inhalants within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 742 1.8%
East Central * * 98 1.9%
Metro * * 402 1.8%
Non-Metro * * 340 1.9%
Northwest * * 45 2.7%
Northeast * * 39 2.2%
Southeast * * 61 1.6%
Southwest * * 51 1.5%
West Central * * 46 2.0%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of inhalants in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or inhaled any other gases or sprays in order to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month use of inhalants among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.67:1.00).  The state's rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Methamphetamine Use within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 240 0.6%
East Central * * 27 0.5%
Metro * * 140 0.6%
Non-Metro * * 100 0.6%
Northwest * * 11 0.7%
Northeast * * 10 0.6%
Southeast * * 25 0.7%
Southwest * * 11 0.3%
West Central * * 16 0.7%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of methamphetamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used meth, glass, crank, crystal meth or ice. N/A  or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month methamphetamine use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.40:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of MDMA/Ecstasy within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 289 0.7%
East Central * * 33 0.6%
Metro * * 163 0.7%
Non-Metro * * 126 0.7%
Northwest * * 12 0.7%
Northeast * * 15 0.9%
Southeast * * 30 0.8%
Southwest * * 20 0.6%
West Central * * 16 0.7%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of MDMA, GHB or Ketamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used MDMA (E, X, Ecstasy), GHB (G, Liquid E, Liquid X, roofies), or Ketamine (Special K).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2007, reported past 12 month MDMA/Ecstasy use among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.89:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Crack/Cocaine within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 360 0.9%
East Central * * 51 1.0%
Metro * * 214 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 146 0.8%
Northwest * * 13 0.8%
Northeast * * 16 0.9%
Southeast * * 35 0.9%
Southwest * * 17 0.5%
West Central * * 14 0.6%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of crack or cocaine in the past 12 months.  Student were asked whether they used crack, coke, or cocaine in any form.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month crack/cocaine use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 2.9%.  Nationally, 2.9% reported use of cocaine and 1.2% reported use of crack.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of LSD, PCP or Other Psychedelics within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 410 1.0%
East Central * * 49 0.9%
Metro * * 227 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 183 1.0%
Northwest * * 22 1.3%
Northeast * * 25 1.4%
Southeast * * 42 1.1%
Southwest * * 20 0.6%
West Central * * 25 1.1%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of psychedelics in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used LSD (acid), PCP (wet sticks or dipped joints), or other psychedelics (mushrooms, angel dust).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month psychedelic use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 4.3%.  Nationally, 2.6% reported use of LSD and 4.8% reported use of other hallucinogens.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).   For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Heroin within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 207 0.5%
East Central * * 30 0.6%
Metro * * 126 0.6%
Non-Metro * * 81 0.5%
Northwest * * 6 0.4%
Northeast * * 7 0.4%
Southeast * * 20 0.5%
Southwest * * 8 0.2%
West Central * * 10 0.4%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of heroin in the past 12 months.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month heroin use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.33:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Synthetic Drugs within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 414 1.0%
East Central * * 56 1.1%
Metro * * 231 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 183 1.0%
Northwest * * 14 0.9%
Northeast * * 20 1.1%
Southeast * * 44 1.2%
Southwest * * 20 0.6%
West Central * * 29 1.3%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of synthetic drugs in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used synthetic drugs such as bath salts (White Wave, White Lightning), or synthetic marijuana (K2, Gold), that they took only to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

Because the question about synthetic drugs was added to the survey in 2013, trend data are not available.

For national comparisons, click here: State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Inhalants within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 772 1.8%
Metro * * 402 1.8%
Non-Metro * * 370 1.9%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of inhalants in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or inhaled any other gases or sprays in order to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month use of inhalants among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.67:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Methamphetamine Use within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 249 0.6%
Metro * * 140 0.6%
Non-Metro * * 109 0.6%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of methamphetamines in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used meth, glass, crank, crystal meth or ice. N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month methamphetamine use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 2.80:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of MDMA/Ecstasy within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 293 0.7%
Metro * * 163 0.7%
Non-Metro * * 130 0.7%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of MDMA, GHB or Ketamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used MDMA (E, X, Ecstasy), GHB (G, Liquid E, Liquid X, roofies), or Ketamine (Special K).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2007, reported past 12 month MDMA/Ecstasy use among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.89:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Crack/Cocaine within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 374 0.9%
Metro * * 214 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 160 0.8%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of crack or cocaine in the past 12 months.  Student were asked whether they used crack, cocaine in chunk or rock form, or cocaine in any other form.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month crack/cocaine use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 2.9%.  Nationally, 2.9% reported use of cocaine and 1.4% reported use of crack.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of LSD, PCP or Other Psychedelics within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 420 1.0%
Metro * * 227 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 193 1.0%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of psychedelics in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used LSD (acid), PCP (wet sticks or dipped joints), or other psychedelics (mushrooms, angel dust).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month psychedelic use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 4.3%.  Nationally, 2.6% reported use of LSD and 4.8% reported use of other hallucinogens.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).   For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Heroin within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 212 0.5%
Metro * * 126 0.6%
Non-Metro * * 86 0.4%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of heroin in the past 12 months.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month heroin use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.33:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Use of Synthetic Drugs within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 430 1.0%
Metro * * 231 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 199 1.0%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of synthetic drugs in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used synthetic drugs such as bath salts (White Wave, White Lightning), or synthetic marijuana (K2, Gold), that they took only to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

Because the question about synthetic drugs was added to the survey in 2013, trend data are not available.

For national comparisons, click here: State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Prescription Drug Misuse

8th Students Reporting Any Past 30 Day Use of Prescription Drugs Not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,433.0 3.7% 1,621.0 4.0% 1,475.0 3.6% 882.0 2.8%
East Central 197.0 3.4% 215.0 4.1% 227.0 3.9% 132.0 3.1%
Metro 809.0 4.0% 922.0 4.2% 734.0 3.4% 444.0 2.7%
Non-Metro 624.0 3.3% 699.0 3.9% 741.0 3.8% 438.0 3.0%
Northwest 61.0 3.6% 87.0 5.3% 72.0 4.4% 37.0 3.4%
Northeast 62.0 3.0% 74.0 4.2% 85.0 4.2% 45.0 2.7%
Southeast 117.0 3.5% 125.0 3.3% 156.0 3.9% 83.0 2.8%
Southwest 109.0 3.0% 105.0 3.2% 118.0 3.4% 84.0 2.8%
West Central 78.0 3.2% 93.0 4.0% 83.0 3.7% 57.0 3.5%

About the Indicator:

In 2013, a new question was added to the Minnesota Student Survey asking about student's past month misuse of any prescription drugs (use of prescription drugs not prescribed for them). Prescription drugs can have dangerous health consequences if used incorrectly, or if used by by someone other than for whom they were intended.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 3.8 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 2.2 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.9 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 3.6 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.5 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.6 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 3.4 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 2 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.7 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.9 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Past 30 Day Use of Prescription Drugs Not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,433.0 3.7% 1,683.0 4.0% 1,475.0 3.6%
Metro 809.0 4.0% 922.0 4.2% 734.0 3.4%
Non-Metro 624.0 3.3% 761.0 3.9% 741.0 3.8%

About the Indicator:

 In 2013, a new question was added to the Minnesota Student Survey asking about student's past month misuse of any prescription drugs (use of prescription drugs not prescribed for them). Prescription drugs can have dangerous health consequences if used incorrectly, or if used by by someone other than for whom they were intended.


According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 3.8 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 2.2 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.9 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 3.6 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.5 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.6 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 3.4 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 2 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.7 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.9 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Prescription Pain Relievers Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 909.0 2.3%
East Central * * 125.0 2.4%
Metro * * 474.0 2.2%
Non-Metro * * 435.0 2.4%
Northwest * * 50.0 3.0%
Northeast * * 36.0 2.0%
Southeast * * 69.0 1.8%
Southwest * * 88.0 2.7%
West Central * * 67.0 2.9%

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any abuse of prescription drugs in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used Oxycodone, OxyContin (oxy), Percocet, Percodan, Vicodin or other pain relievers not prescribed for them by a doctor.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month prescription pain reliever use among 12th graders was similar in Minnesota to the national average (rate ratio = 1.02:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF). 

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Prescription Pain Relievers Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 945.0 2.3%
Metro * * 474.0 2.2%
Non-Metro * * 471.0 2.4%

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any abuse of prescription drugs in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used Oxycodone, OxyContin (oxy), Percocet, Percodan, Vicodin or other pain relievers not prescribed for them by a doctor.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month prescription pain reliever use among 12th graders was similar in Minnesota to the national average (rate ratio = 1.02:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF). 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of ADD or ADHD Drugs Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 548.0 1.4%
East Central * * 73.0 1.4%
Metro * * 318.0 1.4%
Non-Metro * * 230.0 1.3%
Northwest * * 27.0 1.6%
Northeast * * 24.0 1.4%
Southeast * * 39.0 1.0%
Southwest * * 31.0 0.9%
West Central * * 36.0 1.6%

About the Indicator:

Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of their own or someone else’s prescription ADHD or ADD drugs like Ritalin (hyper pills) in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month ADHD or ADD drug use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.17:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of ADD or ADHD Drugs Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 564.0 1.4%
Metro * * 318.0 1.4%
Non-Metro * * 246.0 1.3%

About the Indicator:

Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of their own or someone else’s prescription ADHD or ADD drugs like Ritalin (hyper pills) in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month ADHD or ADD drug use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.17:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Stimulants or Diet Pills Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 228.0 0.6%
East Central * * 30.0 0.6%
Metro * * 129.0 0.6%
Non-Metro * * 99.0 0.6%
Northwest * * 11.0 0.7%
Northeast * * 13.0 0.7%
Southeast * * 16.0 0.4%
Southwest * * 11.0 0.3%
West Central * * 18.0 0.8%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription stimulants like Benzedrine (bennies, speed, uppers, pep pills) or diet pills in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Stimulants or Diet Pills Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 234.0 0.6%
Metro * * 129.0 0.6%
Non-Metro * * 105.0 0.5%

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription stimulants like Benzedrine (bennies, speed, uppers, pep pills) or diet pills in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Tranquilizers or Sedatives Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 346.0 0.9%
East Central * * 41.0 0.8%
Metro * * 218.0 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 128.0 0.7%
Northwest * * 15.0 0.9%
Northeast * * 19.0 1.1%
Southeast * * 20.0 0.5%
Southwest * * 14.0 0.4%
West Central * * 19.0 0.8%

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax, nerve pills), sedatives, or barbiturates in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicate that the data are unavailable or were not collected.  

In 2010, reported past 12 month tranquilizer/sedative use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 3.2%.  Nationally, 5.6% reported use of tranquilizers and 4.8% reported use of sedatives.  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Any Use of Tranquilizers or Sedatives Not Prescribed for Them by Their Doctor within the Past 12 Months, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota * * 357.0 0.9%
Metro * * 218.0 1.0%
Non-Metro * * 139.0 0.7%

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax, nerve pills), sedatives, or barbiturates in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicate that the data are unavailable or were not collected.  

In 2010, reported past 12 month tranquilizer/sedative use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 3.2%.  Nationally, 5.6% reported use of tranquilizers and 4.8% reported use of sedatives.  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Drug Consequences

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Drug Consequences

Drug Intervening Variables

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Smoking Marijuana Once or Twice a Week, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 26,683.0 70.9% 25,842.0 65.1% 24,757.0 61.3% 17,273.0 56.8%
East Central 4,113.0 73.7% 3,432.0 66.7% 3,648.0 62.9% 2,440.0 59.2%
Metro 13,448.0 70.0% 14,266.0 65.3% 12,946.0 60.9% 9,323.0 57.7%
Non-Metro 13,235.0 71.8% 11,576.0 64.9% 11,811.0 61.8% 7,950.0 55.9%
Northwest 1,123.0 68.7% 990.0 60.4% 963.0 59.0% 556.0 51.5%
Northeast 1,407.0 68.8% 1,070.0 61.4% 1,170.0 58.6% 860.0 52.7%
Southeast 2,329.0 72.2% 2,388.0 63.2% 2,439.0 60.9% 1,542.0 53.4%
Southwest 2,578.0 73.0% 2,146.0 65.7% 2,177.0 62.9% 1,628.0 56.4%
West Central 1,685.0 70.0% 1,550.0 68.1% 1,414.0 63.5% 924.0 57.2%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked marijuana once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Smoking Marijuana Once or Twice a Week, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 26,683.0 70.9% 26,889.0 65.1% 24,757.0 61.3%
Metro 13,448.0 70.0% 14,266.0 65.3% 12,946.0 60.9%
Non-Metro 13,235.0 71.8% 12,623.0 64.9% 11,811.0 61.8%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked marijuana once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Using Prescription Drugs Not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 30,882.0 82.0% 31,127.0 78.5% 32,313.0 80.1% 22,338.0 73.5%
East Central 4,591.0 82.2% 4,048.0 78.6% 4,649.0 80.3% 3,093.0 75.0%
Metro 15,858.0 82.5% 17,173.0 78.6% 17,043.0 80.3% 11,984.0 74.2%
Non-Metro 15,024.0 81.4% 13,954.0 78.2% 15,270.0 80.0% 10,354.0 72.8%
Northwest 1,330.0 80.9% 1,277.0 78.1% 1,271.0 77.8% 770.0 71.4%
Northeast 1,702.0 83.1% 1,378.0 79.1% 1,649.0 82.7% 1,213.0 74.4%
Southeast 2,629.0 81.4% 2,926.0 77.5% 3,162.0 79.2% 1,995.0 69.0%
Southwest 2,846.0 80.6% 2,530.0 77.5% 2,740.0 79.4% 2,064.0 71.7%
West Central 1,926.0 79.8% 1,795.0 79.0% 1,799.0 80.9% 1,219.0 75.4%

About the Indicator:

The Minnesota Student Survey added a question about the perceived harm of misusing prescription drugs 2013. 

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting that they Believe People Put themselves at Great or Moderate Risk of Harm by Using Prescription Drugs Not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 30,882.0 82.0% 32,387.0 78.4% 32,313.0 80.1%
Metro 15,858.0 82.5% 17,173.0 78.6% 17,043.0 80.3%
Non-Metro 15,024.0 81.4% 15,214.0 78.2% 15,270.0 80.0%

About the Indicator:

The Minnesota Student Survey added a question about the perceived harm of misusing prescription drugs 2013. 

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Smoke Marijuana, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 35,726 94.3% 36,322 91.2% 36,676 90.9% 27,066 89.5%
East Central 5,334 94.8% 4,750 92.0% 5,330 91.7% 3,716 90.7%
Metro 18,261 94.4% 19,976 91.1% 19,324 91.1% 14,420 89.6%
Non-Metro 17,465 94.2% 16,346 91.2% 17,352 90.7% 12,646 89.5%
Northwest 1,546 93.2% 1,457 88.9% 1,426 87.5% 939 87.8%
Northeast 1,901 92.6% 1,568 90.0% 1,796 89.8% 1,415 87.3%
Southeast 3,053 94.2% 3,462 91.0% 3,637 90.7% 2,530 88.1%
Southwest 3,337 94.3% 3,000 91.5% 3,138 90.9% 2,599 90.4%
West Central 2,109 92.1% 2,025 90.8% 1,447 90.2%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Smoke Marijuana, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 35,726 94.3% 37,802 91.2% 36,676 90.9%
Metro 18,261 94.4% 19,976 91.1% 19,324 91.1%
Non-Metro 17,465 94.2% 17,826 91.2% 17,352 90.7%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Use Prescription Drugs Not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,117 95.3% 37,200 93.4% 38,094 94.5% 28,187 93.1%
East Central 5,383 95.6% 4,827 93.5% 5,511 94.9% 3,862 94.2%
Metro 18,480 95.6% 20,419 93.2% 20,026 94.4% 15,010 93.1%
Non-Metro 17,637 95.1% 16,781 93.7% 18,068 94.5% 13,177 93.2%
Northwest 1,580 95.4% 1,534 93.5% 1,509 92.7% 980 91.8%
Northeast 1,940 94.4% 1,644 94.3% 1,909 95.5% 1,530 94.4%
Southeast 3,055 94.3% 3,557 93.5% 3,768 94.1% 2,616 91.0%
Southwest 3,354 94.7% 3,070 93.7% 3,254 94.5% 2,679 93.2%
West Central 2,325 95.8% 2,149 93.9% 2,117 94.9% 1,510 94.3%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them using other illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Parents Would Think It's Very Wrong or Wrong for Them to Use Prescription Drugs Not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,117 95.3% 38,712 93.4% 38,094 94.5%
Metro 18,480 95.6% 20,419 93.2% 20,026 94.4%
Non-Metro 17,637 95.1% 18,293 93.7% 18,068 94.5%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them using other illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Friends Would Feel it is Wrong or Very Wrong for Them to Use Prescription Drugs not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 33,523.0 89.0% 35,278.0 88.9% 35,301.0 87.8% 26,744.0 89.2%
East Central 4,994.0 89.2% 4,610.0 89.6% 5,058.0 87.4% 3,632.0 89.3%
Metro 17,060.0 88.9% 19,355.0 88.6% 18,644.0 88.1% 14,215.0 89.2%
Non-Metro 16,463.0 89.1% 15,923.0 89.2% 16,657.0 87.4% 12,529.0 89.2%
Northwest 1,476.0 89.5% 1,461.0 89.2% 1,366.0 84.2% 932.0 87.6%
Northeast 1,770.0 86.3% 1,548.0 88.9% 1,744.0 87.7% 1,434.0 89.2%
Southeast 2,874.0 89.1% 3,352.0 88.7% 3,481.0 87.0% 2,530.0 88.2%
Southwest 3,183.0 90.0% 2,921.0 89.4% 3,045.0 88.3% 2,562.0 89.7%
West Central 2,166.0 89.9% 2,031.0 89.0% 1,963.0 88.3% 1,439.0 91.0%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them using illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Their Friends Would Feel it is Wrong or Very Wrong for Them to Use Prescription Drugs not Prescribed for Them, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 33,523.0 89.0% 36,713.0 88.9% 35,301.0 87.8%
Metro 17,060.0 88.9% 19,355.0 88.6% 18,644.0 88.1%
Non-Metro 16,463.0 89.1% 17,358.0 89.2% 16,657.0 87.4%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them using illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Think Their Friends Would Feel it is Wrong or Very Wrong for Them to Smoke Marijuana, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 31,546.0 83.7% 32,850.0 82.7% 32,015.0 79.5% 24,780.0 82.7%
East Central 4,833.0 86.2% 4,361.0 84.8% 4,654.0 80.4% 3,428.0 84.3%
Metro 15,778.0 82.2% 18,004.0 82.3% 16,832.0 79.5% 13,155.0 82.6%
Non-Metro 15,768.0 85.3% 14,846.0 83.2% 15,183.0 79.5% 11,625.0 82.8%
Northwest 1,382.0 83.7% 1,311.0 80.1% 1,245.0 76.8% 853.0 80.4%
Northeast 1,636.0 79.8% 1,395.0 79.9% 1,485.0 74.4% 1,262.0 78.6%
Southeast 2,750.0 85.3% 3,125.0 82.7% 3,173.0 79.3% 2,342.0 81.9%
Southwest 3,075.0 87.0% 2,742.0 84.0% 2,815.0 81.6% 2,402.0 84.2%
West Central 2,092.0 86.8% 1,912.0 83.8% 1,811.0 81.4% 1,338.0 84.3%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana once or twice a week. In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Think Their Friends Would Feel it is Wrong or Very Wrong for Them to Smoke Marijuana, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 31,546.0 83.7% 32,015.0 79.5%
Metro 15,778.0 82.2% 16,832.0 79.5%
Non-Metro 15,768.0 85.3% 15,183.0 79.5%

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana once or twice a week. In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Drug Treatment

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Drug Treatment

Risk Factors

8th Students Reporting Ever Having Had a Boyfriend or Girlfriend in a Dating or Serious Relationship Who Hit, Slapped, or Physically Hurt Them on Purpose, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 1,205.0 3.0%
Metro 606.0 2.9%
Non-Metro 599.0 3.1%

About the Indicator:

Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders. N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. This question changed in 2013.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, physical dating violence was reported by 8.8% of 9th graders and 10.4% of 11th graders nationally.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Ever Having Had a Boyfriend or Girlfriend in a Dating or Serious Relationship Who Hit, Slapped, or Physically Hurt Them on Purpose, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 1,205.0 3.0%
East Central 177.0 3.0%
Metro 606.0 2.9%
Non-Metro 599.0 3.1%
Northwest 68.0 3.9%
Northeast 78.0 3.7%
Southeast 104.0 3.1%
Southwest 104.0 2.8%
West Central 68.0 2.7%

About the Indicator:

Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders. N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. The wording of this question changed in 2013.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, physical dating violence was reported by 8.8% of 9th graders and 10.4% of 11th graders nationally.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Were Bullied or Harassed Weekly or More Often in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 7,938 19.1% 7,551 17.8%
East Central 1,136 19.0% 972 18.3%
Metro 4,100 18.8% 4,008 16.9%
Non-Metro 3,838 19.6% 3,543 19.0%
Northwest 345 19.6% 335 19.5%
Northeast 435 20.3% 408 21.6%
Southeast 692 20.0% 745 18.8%
Southwest 722 19.4% 668 19.4%
West Central 508 20.0% 415 17.7%

About the Indicator:

This indicator includes students responding "about once a week," "several times a week," or "every day" to any or all of the following Minnesota Student Survey questions:

During the last 30 days, how often have other students at school...?

  • Pushed, shoved, slapped, hit or kicked you when they weren't kidding around
  • Threatened to beat you up
  • Spread mean rumors or lies about you
  • Made sexual jokes, comments, or gestures toward you
  • Excluded you from friends, other students, or activities

In 2016, past 30-day alcohol use was reported by 9.1% of students who said they were not bullied or harassed in the past month, 18.4% of students who were bullied or harassed at least once in the past month, 24.3% of students who were bullied or harassed weekly or more often, and 28.1% of students who reported being bullied or harassed every day.

Further, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-month bullying victimization, bullied students were 1.8 times more likely to report alcohol use; 1.9 times more likely to report tobacco use; 1.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 2.5 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

See the 2017 Bullying and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Were Bullied or Harassed Weekly or More Often in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 7,938 19.1% 7,888 17.9%
Metro 4,100 18.8% 4,008 16.9%
Non-Metro 3,838 19.6% 3,880 19.1%

About the Indicator:

This indicator includes students responding "about once a week," "several times a week," or "every day" to any or all of the following Minnesota Student Survey questions:

During the last 30 days, how often have other students at school...?

  • Pushed, shoved, slapped, hit or kicked you when they weren't kidding around
  • Threatened to beat you up
  • Spread mean rumors or lies about you
  • Made sexual jokes, comments, or gestures toward you
  • Excluded you from friends, other students, or activities

In 2016, past 30-day alcohol use was reported by 9.1% of students who said they were not bullied or harassed in the past month, 18.4% of students who were bullied or harassed at least once in the past month, 24.3% of students who were bullied or harassed weekly or more often, and 28.1% of students who reported being bullied or harassed every day.

Further, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-month bullying victimization, bullied students were 1.8 times more likely to report alcohol use; 1.9 times more likely to report tobacco use; 1.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 2.5 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

See the 2017 Bullying and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Were Bullied or Harassed Once or More in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 20,998 50.6% 20,851 49.1% 23,062 53.7%
East Central 3,003 50.3% 2,645 49.8% 3,359 54.7%
Metro 10,886 49.8% 11,351 47.8% 11,944 52.4%
Non-Metro 10,112 51.5% 9,500 50.9% 11,118 55.2%
Northwest 944 53.5% 908 52.9% 1,021 60.5%
Northeast 1,147 53.4% 1,045 55.4% 1,269 60.0%
Southeast 1,777 51.3% 2,011 50.7% 2,209 53.1%
Southwest 1,942 52.1% 1,716 49.9% 1,980 54.2%
West Central 1,299 51.1% 1,175 50.1% 1,280 53.6%

About the Indicator:

This indicator includes students responding "about once a week," "several times a week," or "every day" to any or all of the following Minnesota Student Survey questions:

During the last 30 days, how often have other students at school...?

  • Pushed, shoved, slapped, hit or kicked you when they weren't kidding around
  • Threatened to beat you up
  • Spread mean rumors or lies about you
  • Made sexual jokes, comments, or gestures toward you
  • Excluded you from friends, other students, or activities

In 2016, past 30-day alcohol use was reported by 9.1% of students who said they were not bullied or harassed in the past month, 18.4% of students who were bullied or harassed at least once in the past month, 24.3% of students who were bullied or harassed weekly or more often, and 28.1% of students who reported being bullied or harassed every day.

Further, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-month bullying victimization, bullied students were 1.8 times more likely to report alcohol use; 1.9 times more likely to report tobacco use; 1.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 2.5 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

See the 2017 Bullying and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Were Bullied or Harassed Once or More in the Past 30 Days, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 20,998 50.6% 21,710 49.2% 23,062 53.7%
Metro 10,886 49.8% 11,351 47.8% 11,944 52.4%
Non-Metro 10,112 51.5% 10,359 50.9% 11,118 55.2%

About the Indicator:

This indicator includes students responding "about once a week," "several times a week," or "every day" to any or all of the following Minnesota Student Survey questions:

During the last 30 days, how often have other students at school...?

  • Pushed, shoved, slapped, hit or kicked you when they weren't kidding around
  • Threatened to beat you up
  • Spread mean rumors or lies about you
  • Made sexual jokes, comments, or gestures toward you
  • Excluded you from friends, other students, or activities

In 2016, past 30-day alcohol use was reported by 9.1% of students who said they were not bullied or harassed in the past month, 18.4% of students who were bullied or harassed at least once in the past month, 24.3% of students who were bullied or harassed weekly or more often, and 28.1% of students who reported being bullied or harassed every day.

Further, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-month bullying victimization, bullied students were 1.8 times more likely to report alcohol use; 1.9 times more likely to report tobacco use; 1.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 2.5 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

See the 2017 Bullying and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Live with Someone Who Uses Illegal Drugs or Abuses Prescription Drugs, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,927 4.9% 1,633 4.0% 2,057 4.9%
East Central 286 4.9% 200 3.8% 307 5.1%
Metro 1,061 5.2% 893 3.9% 1,074 4.9%
Non-Metro 866 4.5% 740 4.1% 983 5.0%
Northwest 87 5.1% 75 4.5% 84 5.0%
Northeast 106 5.0% 94 5.2% 111 5.4%
Southeast 164 4.9% 150 3.9% 235 5.7%
Southwest 118 3.2% 125 3.7% 143 4.0%
West Central 105 4.2% 96 4.1% 103 4.5%

About the Indicator:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is household drug use. Students were asked if they lived with anyone who uses illegal drugs or abuses prescription drugs. Compared to students who do not live with someone who abuses drugs, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (40.6% vs 8.2%), alcohol (45.7% vs 15.0%), and tobacco (36.6% vs 9.6%). For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

NOTE: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Live with Someone Who Uses Illegal Drugs or Abuses Prescription Drugs, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 1,927 4.9% 1,696 4.0% 2,057 4.9%
Metro 1,061 5.2% 893 3.9% 1,074 4.9%
Non-Metro 866 4.5% 803 4.0% 983 5.0%

About the Indicator:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is household drug use. Students were asked if they lived with anyone who uses illegal drugs or abuses prescription drugs. Compared to students who do not live with someone who abuses drugs, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (40.6% vs 8.2%), alcohol (45.7% vs 15.0%), and tobacco (36.6% vs 9.6%). For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

NOTE: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting a Parent or Guardian is Currently or Ever Has Been in Prison, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number
Minnesota 16.8% 6,604 17.3% 7,046 16.8% 7,148
East Central 18.5% 1,064 18.0% 940 17.6% 1,081
Metro 14.5% 2,956 14.7% 3,301 13.9% 3,135
Non-Metro 19.3% 3,648 20.6% 3,745 20.0% 4,013
Northwest 25.0% 423 27.8% 461 25.5% 433
Northeast 19.8% 413 24.4% 446 24.0% 502
Southeast 18.1% 598 18.8% 726 18.4% 773
Southwest 17.8% 647 20.5% 681 21.1% 767
West Central 20.3% 503 21.3% 491 19.6% 457

About the Indicator:

Note: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but not in 2016.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is parent or caregiver incarceration. Students were asked if any of their parents or guardians had ever been in jail or prison. Compared to students who do not have a parent or caregiver who is or ever has been in jail or prison, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (22.3% vs 7.7%), alcohol (29.4% vs 14.3%), and tobacco (23.5% vs 8.8%). For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

For a concise explanation of the effects of parental incarceration on students, see the infographic "Academic Outcomes Among Youth with Incarcerated Parents in Minnesota."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting a Parent or Guardian is Currently or Ever Has Been in Prison, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 6,604 16.8% 7,382 17.4% 7,148 16.8%
Metro 2,956 14.5% 3,301 14.7% 3,135 13.9%
Non-Metro 3,648 19.3% 4,081 20.6% 4,013 20.0%

About the Indicator:

Note: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but not in 2016.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is parent or caregiver incarceration. Students were asked if any of their parents or guardians had ever been in jail or prison. Compared to students who do not have a parent or caregiver who is or ever has been in jail or prison, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (22.3% vs 7.7%), alcohol (29.4% vs 14.3%), and tobacco (23.5% vs 8.8%).
For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

For a concise explanation of the effects of parental incarceration on students, see the infographic "Academic Outcomes Among Youth with Incarcerated Parents in Minnesota."


Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Were Verbally Abused by Someone in Their Household, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 5,731 14.5% 5,647 13.9% 6,317 15.2%
East Central 881 15.2% 762 14.6% 983 16.5%
Metro 2,962 14.5% 3,041 13.5% 3,223 14.7%
Non-Metro 2,769 14.5% 2,606 14.3% 3,094 15.7%
Northwest 243 14.2% 256 15.4% 257 15.5%
Northeast 305 14.5% 301 16.6% 319 15.5%
Southeast 514 15.5% 517 13.3% 647 15.8%
Southwest 497 13.6% 471 14.1% 551 15.5%
West Central 329 13.1% 299 12.9% 337 14.6%

About the Indicator:

Note: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but not in 2016.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is parent or household adult verbal abuse. Students were asked if a parent or another adult in the home regularly swears at them, insults them, or puts them down. Compared to students who do not report being verbally abused, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (19.8% vs 8.4%), alcohol (31.0% vs 14.4%), and tobacco (22.6% vs 9.3%).

For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Were Verbally Abused by Someone in Their Household, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 5,731 14.5% 5,910 13.9% 6,317 15.2%
Metro 2,962 14.5% 3,041 13.5% 3,223 14.7%
Non-Metro 2,769 14.5% 2,869 14.4% 3,094 15.7%

About the Indicator:

Note: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but not in 2016.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is parent or household adult verbal abuse. Students were asked if a parent or another adult in the home regularly swears at them, insults them, or puts them down. Compared to students who do not report being verbally abused, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (19.8% vs 8.4%), alcohol (31.0% vs 14.4%), and tobacco (22.6% vs 9.3%).

For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Live with Someone Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 3,658 9.2% 3,617 8.8% 4,193 10.0%
East Central 559 9.6% 475 9.1% 675 11.2%
Metro 1,863 9.1% 1,904 8.4% 2,016 9.1%
Non-Metro 1,795 9.4% 1,713 9.4% 2,177 11.0%
Northwest 168 9.8% 172 10.3% 171 10.2%
Northeast 214 10.2% 192 10.5% 226 10.9%
Southeast 334 10.0% 353 9.1% 473 11.5%
Southwest 306 8.4% 302 9.1% 399 11.1%
West Central 214 8.5% 219 9.4% 233 10.1%

About the Indicator:

Note: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but not in 2016.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is household alcohol problems. Students were asked if they live with someone who drinks too much alcohol. Compared to students who do not live with someone who drinks too much alcohol, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (23.4% vs 8.5%), alcohol (35.8% vs 14.5%), and tobacco (25.9% vs 9.5%).

For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Live with Someone Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 3,658 9.2% 3,780 8.9% 4,193 10.0%
Metro 1,863 9.1% 1,904 8.4% 2,016 9.1%
Non-Metro 1,795 9.4% 1,876 9.4% 2,177 11.0%

About the Indicator:

Note: 5th graders were asked this question in 2013, but not 2016.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is household alcohol problems. Students were asked if they live with someone who drinks too much alcohol. Compared to students who do not live with someone who drinks too much alcohol, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (23.4% vs 8.5%), alcohol (35.8% vs 14.5%), and tobacco (25.9% vs 9.5%).

For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That a Parent or Other Adult Has Ever Hit, Beat, Kicked or Physically Hurt Them in Any Way, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 4,757 12.0% 4,993 12.3% 5,593 13.5%
East Central 675 11.7% 650 12.5% 766 12.8%
Metro 2,676 13.1% 2,858 12.7% 3,059 14.0%
Non-Metro 2,081 10.9% 2,135 11.7% 2,534 12.9%
Northwest 174 10.2% 173 10.4% 217 13.0%
Northeast 230 11.0% 215 11.8% 259 12.6%
Southeast 386 11.6% 441 11.4% 556 13.6%
Southwest 393 10.8% 389 11.7% 463 13.0%
West Central 223 8.9% 267 11.6% 273 11.9%

About the Indicator:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is parent or household adult physical abuse. Students were asked if a parent or another adult in the home has ever hit, beat, kicked or physically hurt them in any way. Compared to students who do not report being physically abused, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (20.7% vs 8.6%), alcohol (31.0% vs 14.8%), and tobacco (23.2% vs 9.5%).

Note: The question changed in 2013 from, "Has any adult in your household hit you so hard or so often that you had marks or were afraid of that person?" to "Has a parent or other adult in your household ever hit, beat, kicked or physically hurt you in any way?"

In 2016, 5th graders were not asked this question.

For more information on ACEs, see the 2017 ACEs and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That a Parent or Other Adult Has Ever Hit, Beat, Kicked or Physically Hurt Them in Any Way, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 4,757 12.0% 5,188 12.3% 5,593 13.5%
Metro 2,676 13.1% 2,858 12.7% 3,059 14.0%
Non-Metro 2,081 10.9% 2,330 11.7% 2,534 12.9%

About the Indicator:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. ACEs put individuals at risk for a number of negative outcomes across the lifespan, including: alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; anxiety; hopelessness; depression; and suicidal ideation and attempts.

One ACE measured by the Minnesota Student Survey is parent or household adult physical abuse. Students were asked if a parent or another adult in the home has ever hit, beat, kicked or physically hurt them in any way. Compared to students who do not report being physically abused, those who do are more likely to report past month use of marijuana (20.7% vs 8.6%), alcohol (31.0% vs 14.8%), and tobacco (23.2% vs 9.5%).

Note: The question changed in 2013 from, "Has any adult in your household hit you so hard or so often that you had marks or were afraid of that person?" to "Has a parent or other adult in your household ever hit, beat, kicked or physically hurt you in any way?"

Additionally, 5th graders were not asked this question in 2016.

For more information on ACEs, see the 2014 ACEs and Behavioral Health SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Resilience Factors

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That They Feel Safe at School, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 38,738.0 91.6% 40,768.0 91.7% 38,860.0 89.2%
Metro 20,516.0 91.8% 22,020.0 91.8% 20,747.0 89.7%
Non-Metro 18,222.0 91.4% 18,748.0 91.6% 18,113.0 88.7%

About the Indicator:

School safety is a factor associated with both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who “strongly agree” or “agree” they feel safe at school are 1.8 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.8 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 1.9 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.7 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who “disagree” or “strongly disagree.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That They Feel Safe at School, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 38,738.0 91.6% 39,210.0 91.7% 38,860.0 89.2%
East Central 5,572.0 91.6% 4,940.0 92.2% 5,551.0 89.1%
Metro 20,516.0 91.8% 22,020.0 91.8% 20,747.0 89.7%
Non-Metro 18,222.0 91.4% 17,190.0 91.5% 18,113.0 88.7%
Northwest 1,646.0 92.1% 1,604.0 93.0% 1,512.0 88.1%
Northeast 1,955.0 89.7% 1,712.0 90.4% 1,920.0 89.2%
Southeast 3,225.0 91.6% 3,612.0 90.5% 3,684.0 87.7%
Southwest 3,468.0 91.7% 3,109.0 90.0% 3,257.0 88.1%
West Central 2,356.0 91.3% 2,213.0 93.7% 2,189.0 90.7%

About the Indicator:

School safety is a factor associated with both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who “strongly agree” or “agree” they feel safe at school are 1.8 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.8 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 1.9 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.7 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who “disagree” or “strongly disagree.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Can Talk to Their Mother Most or Some of the Time about Problems They Are Having, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Percent Number Percent Number
Minnesota 84.0% 35,557.0 86.3% 37,059.0
East Central 84.5% 5,142.0 87.3% 4,675.0
Metro 83.5% 18,684.0 86.8% 20,949.0
Non-Metro 84.5% 16,873.0 85.7% 16,110.0
Northwest 84.9% 1,520.0 83.0% 1,434.0
Northeast 82.7% 1,804.0 82.9% 1,572.0
Southeast 84.4% 2,981.0 86.1% 3,444.0
Southwest 85.2% 3,227.0 86.0% 2,976.0
West Central 85.1% 2,199.0 85.0% 2,009.0

About the Indicator:

Being able to talk to someone about problems you are having is a protective factor for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Response options to the question “Can you talk to your mother about problems you are having?” include: “Yes, most of the time,” “Yes, some of the time,” “No, not very often,” “No, not at all,” and “My mother is not around.”

According to 2016 MSS data, students who said they could talk to their mother some or most of the time about problems they are having are 1.9 times less likely to report past-month alcohol use, 2.1 times less likely to report past-month tobacco use, 2.4 times less likely to report past-month marijuana use, and 2.6 times less likely to report any past-month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who can't talk to their mothers.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Can Talk to Their Mother Most or Some of the Time about Problems They Are Having, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Percent Number Percent Number
Minnesota 84.0% 35,557.0 86.3% 38,510.0
Metro 83.5% 18,684.0 86.8% 20,949.0
Non-Metro 84.5% 16,873.0 85.7% 17,561.0

About the Indicator:

Being able to talk to someone about problems you are having is a protective factor for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Response options to the question “Can you talk to your mother about problems you are having?” include: “Yes, most of the time,” “Yes, some of the time,” “No, not very often,” “No, not at all,” and “My mother is not around.”

According to 2016 MSS data, students who said they could talk to their mother some or most of the time about problems they are having are 1.9 times less likely to report past-month alcohol use, 2.1 times less likely to report past-month tobacco use, 2.4 times less likely to report past-month marijuana use, and 2.6 times less likely to report any past-month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who can't talk to their mothers.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Can Talk to Their Father Most or Some of the Time about Problems They Are Having, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 29,312.0 69.4% 30,879.0 72.0%
East Central 4,316.0 71.1% 4,022.0 75.2%
Metro 15,297.0 68.6% 17,317.0 71.9%
Non-Metro 14,015.0 70.3% 13,562.0 72.2%
Northwest 1,240.0 69.4% 1,185.0 68.6%
Northeast 1,516.0 69.7% 1,320.0 69.7%
Southeast 2,477.0 70.1% 2,871.0 71.8%
Southwest 2,667.0 70.4% 2,476.0 71.7%
West Central 1,799.0 70.0% 1,688.0 71.5%

About the Indicator:

Being able to talk to someone about problems you are having is a protective factor for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Response options to the question “Can you talk to your father about problems you are having?” include: “Yes, most of the time,” “Yes, some of the time,” “No, not very often,” “No, not at all,” and “My father is not around.”

According to 2016 MSS data, students who said they could talk to their father some or most of the time about problems they are having are 1.8 times less likely to report past-month alcohol use, 1.9 times less likely to report past-month tobacco use, 2.2 times less likely to report past-month marijuana use, and 2.3 times less likely to report any past-month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who can't talk to their fathers.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Can Talk to Their Father Most or Some of the Time about Problems They Are Having, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 29,312.0 69.4% 32,115.0 77.7%
Metro 15,297.0 68.6% 17,317.0 77.5%
Non-Metro 14,015.0 70.3% 14,798.0 78.0%

About the Indicator:

Being able to talk to someone about problems you are having is a protective factor for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Response options to the question “Can you talk to your father about problems you are having?” include: “Yes, most of the time,” “Yes, some of the time,” “No, not very often,” “No, not at all,” and “My father is not around.”

According to 2016 MSS data, students who said they could talk to their father some or most of the time about problems they are having are 1.8 times less likely to report past-month alcohol use, 1.9 times less likely to report past-month tobacco use, 2.2 times less likely to report past-month marijuana use, and 2.3 times less likely to report any past-month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who can't talk to their fathers.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Educational Engagement, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number
Minnesota 76.7% 31,622.0 76.6% 32,589.0 69.5% 29,812.0
East Central 75.2% 4,441.0 76.6% 4,080.0 66.7% 4,061.0
Metro 77.6% 16,865.0 77.8% 18,567.0 71.0% 16,214.0
Non-Metro 75.8% 14,757.0 75.1% 14,022.0 67.9% 13,598.0
Northwest 75.2% 1,312.0 73.4% 1,259.0 66.4% 1,117.0
Northeast 73.5% 1,577.0 70.7% 1,336.0 65.3% 1,382.0
Southeast 77.3% 2,653.0 75.4% 2,985.0 70.0% 2,898.0
Southwest 77.8% 2,897.0 75.5% 2,588.0 70.1% 2,540.0
West Central 74.7% 1,877.0 75.7% 1,774.0 67.3% 1,600.0

About the Indicator:

For the first time in 2013, the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) included modified items from Child Trends Flourishing Children Project. Educational engagement comprises the following MSS questions:

  • How often do you care about doing well in school?

  • How often do you pay attention in class?

  • How often do you go to class unprepared?

  • If something interests me, I try to learn more about it.

  • I think the things I learn at school are useful.

  • Being a student is one of the most important parts of who I am.

Response options for each of the last three items above are: strongly agree (coded as 4), agree (coded as 3), disagree (coded as 2), and strongly disagree (coded as 1). Response options for the first three questions were: all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, and none of the time--these were coded as 1 through 4, with the most positive response scoring 4 and the least positive response scoring 1. An educational engagement score can be created by summing the values for each question, obtaining a range from 6 to 24. Higher levels of educational engagement are measured as students reporting an overall score of 18 or higher; this corresponds to an average score of 3 or higher per question.

In 2019, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported lower levels of educational engagement, more engaged students were 2.4 times less likely to report past-month alcohol use; 2.4 times less likely to report tobacco use; 3.2 less likely to report past-month marijuana use; and 3.0 times less likely to report past-month prescription drug misuse.

For more, see the Educational Engagement and Substance Use 2018 SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Educational Engagement, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 31,622.0 76.7% 33,873.0 76.6% 29,812.0 69.5%
Metro 16,865.0 77.6% 18,567.0 77.8% 16,214.0 71.0%
Non-Metro 14,757.0 75.8% 15,306.0 75.3% 13,598.0 67.9%

About the Indicator:

For the first time in 2013, the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) included modified items from Child Trends Flourishing Children Project. Educational engagement comprises the following MSS questions:

  • How often do you care about doing well in school?
  • How often do you pay attention in class?
  • How often do you go to class unprepared?
  • If something interests me, I try to learn more about it.
  • I think the things I learn at school are useful.
  • Being a student is one of the most important parts of who I am.

Response options for each of the last three items above are: strongly agree (coded as 4), agree (coded as 3), disagree (coded as 2), and strongly disagree (coded as 1). Response options for the first three questions were: all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, and none of the time--these were coded as 1 through 4, with the most positive response scoring 4 and the least positive response scoring 1. An educational engagement score can be created by summing the values for each question, obtaining a range from 6 to 24. Higher levels of educational engagement are measured as students reporting an overall score of 18 or higher; this corresponds to an average score of 3 or higher per question.

In 2019, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported lower levels of educational engagement, more engaged students were 2.4 times less likely to report past-month alcohol use; 2.4 times less likely to report tobacco use; 3.2 less likely to report past-month marijuana use; and 3.0 times less likely to report past-month prescription drug misuse.

For more, see the Educational Engagement and Substance Use 2018 SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Community Cares About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 16,023.0 39.1% 18,642.0 44.9% 17,645.0 41.5%
East Central 2,267.0 38.1% 2,309.0 43.9% 2,417.0 39.7%
Metro 8,436.0 39.3% 10,583.0 45.9% 9,619.0 42.7%
Non-Metro 7,587.0 38.8% 8,059.0 43.6% 8,026.0 40.1%
Northwest 653.0 37.2% 718.0 42.2% 636.0 37.6%
Northeast 778.0 36.3% 723.0 39.1% 787.0 37.4%
Southeast 1,311.0 38.4% 1,676.0 42.6% 1,648.0 39.3%
Southwest 1,544.0 41.4% 1,557.0 45.9% 1,536.0 42.5%
West Central 1,034.0 40.6% 1,076.0 46.1% 1,002.0 42.8%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think the adults in their communities care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 1.9 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.9 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.3 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.4 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think the adults in their communities only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Community Cares About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 16,023.0 39.1% 19,344.0 44.8% 17,645.0 41.5%
Metro 8,436.0 39.3% 10,583.0 45.9% 9,619.0 42.7%
Non-Metro 7,587.0 38.8% 8,761.0 43.5% 8,026.0 40.1%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think the adults in their communities care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 1.9 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.9 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.3 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.4 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think the adults in their communities only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Parents Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,772.0 89.1% 37,852.0 90.8% 38,158.0 89.2%
East Central 5,289.0 88.2% 4,758.0 90.2% 5,418.0 88.7%
Metro 19,284.0 89.2% 21,150.0 91.3% 20,320.0 89.6%
Non-Metro 17,488.0 89.0% 16,702.0 90.2% 17,838.0 88.7%
Northwest 1,589.0 89.7% 1,524.0 89.5% 1,497.0 88.4%
Northeast 1,897.0 88.1% 1,636.0 88.1% 1,887.0 89.0%
Southeast 3,039.0 88.5% 3,577.0 90.6% 3,716.0 88.4%
Southwest 3,353.0 89.7% 3,077.0 90.7% 3,215.0 88.5%
West Central 2,321.0 90.5% 2,130.0 90.9% 2,105.0 89.6%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their parents care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 2.4 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 2.3 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.9 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 4.3 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their parents only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Parents Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 36,772.0 89.1% 39,350.0 90.7% 38,158.0 89.2%
Metro 19,284.0 89.2% 21,150.0 91.3% 20,320.0 89.6%
Non-Metro 17,488.0 89.0% 18,200.0 90.2% 17,838.0 88.7%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their parents care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 2.4 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 2.3 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.9 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 4.3 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their parents only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Friends Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 31,628.0 77.4% 32,197.0 77.3% 32,615.0 76.5%
East Central 4,555.0 76.8% 4,096.0 77.7% 4,672.0 76.6%
Metro 16,693.0 78.0% 18,090.0 78.1% 17,479.0 77.4%
Non-Metro 14,935.0 76.6% 14,107.0 76.2% 15,136.0 75.5%
Northwest 1,320.0 75.3% 1,252.0 73.6% 1,237.0 73.0%
Northeast 1,669.0 78.1% 1,392.0 75.0% 1,568.0 74.2%
Southeast 2,612.0 76.6% 3,034.0 77.0% 3,183.0 75.9%
Southwest 2,840.0 76.2% 2,571.0 75.9% 2,696.0 74.6%
West Central 1,939.0 76.5% 1,762.0 75.3% 1,780.0 75.9%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their friends care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 1.5 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.5 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 1.7 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.3 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their friends only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Friends Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 31,628.0 77.4% 33,488.0 77.3% 32,615.0 76.5%
Metro 16,693.0 78.0% 18,090.0 78.1% 17,479.0 77.4%
Non-Metro 14,935.0 76.6% 15,398.0 76.4% 15,136.0 75.5%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their friends care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 1.5 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.5 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 1.7 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.3 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their friends only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Have Stronger Relationships with the Adults in Their Schools, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Percent Number Percent Number
Minnesota 58.6% 22,793.0 50.7% 21,943.0
East Central 58.5% 3,273.0 50.8% 3,100.0
Metro 58.6% 11,917.0 50.9% 11,783.0
Non-Metro 58.5% 10,876.0 50.5% 10,160.0
Northwest 59.3% 983.0 47.6% 807.0
Northeast 55.9% 1,164.0 47.0% 988.0
Southeast 56.8% 1,865.0 49.4% 2,083.0
Southwest 60.6% 2,187.0 52.6% 1,906.0
West Central 59.6% 1,404.0 53.9% 1,276.0

About the Indicator:

Students were asked a series of questions about their relationships with teachers and other adults at their schools. The students represented in this indicator reported whether they agreed with the following statements:

  • Overall, adults at my school treat students fairly

  • Adults at my school listen to the students

  • The school rules are fair

  • At my school, teachers care about students

  • Most teachers at my school are interested in me as a person

Response options for each of the five items are: strongly agree (coded as 4), agree (coded as 3), disagree (coded as 2), and strongly disagree (coded as 1). A teacher-student relationship score can be created by summing the values for each question, obtaining a range from 5 to 20.  Better teacher-student relationships are measured as students reporting an overall score of 15 or higher; this corresponds to an average of 3 or higher per question.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported better teacher-student relationships, those who reported worse teacher-student relationships were 2.4 times more likely to report alcohol use; 2.8 times more likely to report tobacco use; 2.9 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 3.3 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Have Stronger Relationships with the Adults in Their Schools, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2019
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 22,793.0 58.6% 21,943.0 50.7%
Metro 11,917.0 58.6% 11,783.0 50.9%
Non-Metro 10,876.0 58.5% 10,160.0 50.5%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked a series of questions about their relationships with teachers and other adults at their schools. The students represented in this indicator reported whether they agreed with the following statements:

  • Overall, adults at my school treat students fairly

  • Adults at my school listen to the students

  • The school rules are fair

  • At my school, teachers care about students

  • Most teachers at my school are interested in me as a person

Response options for each of the five items are: strongly agree (coded as 4), agree (coded as 3), disagree (coded as 2), and strongly disagree (coded as 1). A teacher-student relationship score can be created by summing the values for each question, obtaining a range from 5 to 20.  Better teacher-student relationships are measured as students reporting an overall score of 15 or higher; this corresponds to an average of 3 or higher per question.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported better teacher-student relationships, those who reported worse teacher-student relationships were 2.4 times more likely to report alcohol use; 2.8 times more likely to report tobacco use; 2.9 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 3.3 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Participate in 1-5 Activities Outside of School, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 32,635.0 77.7%
East Central 4,620.0 77.7%
Metro 17,463.0 78.0%
Non-Metro 15,172.0 77.4%
Northwest 1,223.0 74.5%
Northeast 1,656.0 79.7%
Southeast 3,162.0 76.9%
Southwest 2,710.0 76.8%
West Central 1,801.0 78.4%

About the Indicator:

Students were asked a series of questions about their weekly participation in activities outside of school. The students represented in this indicator reported whether they participated in the following community activities:

  • Sports teams, such as park and rec teams, school teams, in-house teams, or traveling teams

  • School sponsored activities or clubs that are not sports, such as drama, music, chess, or science club

  • Tutoring, homework help, or academic programs

  • Leadership activities, such as student government, youth councils, or committees

  • Artistic lessons, such as music or dance

  • Physical activity lessons, such as tennis or karate

  • Other community clubs and programs such as 4-H, Scouts, Y-clubs, or community ed

  • Religious activities such as religious services, education, or youth group

Response options for each of the 8 items are: 0 days; 1 day; 2 days; 3 to 4 days; and 5 or more days. A positive response, presented here, is participation in any combination of these activities, between 1 and 5 times a week.

According to 2019 MSS data, 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported participation in 1-5 activities were 1.3 times less likely to report alcohol use; 1.4 times less likely to report tobacco use; 1.9 times less likely to report marijuana use; and 1.6 times less likely to report prescription drug misuse. Use is compared to students who don't participate at all, or who are involved in activities more than 5 times a week.

PLEASE NOTE: The reporting of this indicator changed in 2019, and prior year data were analyzed with the new method. Previously, SUMN.org reported ANY weekly participation ONLY in the following activities:

  • Club or community sports teams, such as park and rec teams
  • Other community clubs and programs such as 4-H, Scouts, Y-clubs, or community ed
  • Religious activities such as religious services, education, or youth group

To access data analyzed with the previous method, or for more clarification, please email info@sumn.org.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Empowerment, as Determined by the Developmental Assets Scale, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 24,984.0 63.9% 26,176.0 64.4% 24,842.0 60.2%
East Central 3,557.0 62.6% 3,277.0 63.3% 3,474.0 58.9%
Metro 13,222.0 65.1% 14,864.0 66.1% 13,357.0 61.3%
Non-Metro 11,762.0 62.5% 11,312.0 62.3% 11,485.0 59.1%
Northwest 1,018.0 60.1% 986.0 59.2% 925.0 56.7%
Northeast 1,293.0 61.7% 1,076.0 58.8% 1,095.0 53.3%
Southeast 2,046.0 61.9% 2,420.0 62.6% 2,399.0 59.1%
Southwest 2,304.0 63.9% 2,087.0 62.8% 2,160.0 61.6%
West Central 1,544.0 63.3% 1,466.0 63.9% 1,432.0 63.1%

About the Indicator:

The Developmental Assets framework was devised by the Search Institute* to identify skills and behaviors that contribute to positive adolescent development. Survey questions were generated and grouped to compose a series of scales to assess such development. For the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), questions were added to facilitate analysis of the following scales: Social Competency, Positive Identity, and Empowerment (please visit SUMN.org for additional fact sheets).

The modified Empowerment Scale comprises 3 subsets of a question included on the Minnesota Student Survey as follows:

In general, how does each of the following statements describe you?

  • I feel valued and appreciated by others
  • I am included in family tasks and decisions
  • I am given useful roles and responsibilities

The response options to these statements were, “Not at all or rarely,” “Somewhat or sometimes,” “Very or often,” and “Extremely or almost always.” These responses were assigned a numerical score of 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Students with a total of 9 or more (an average of 3 or higher for the 3 questions) are considered by this scale to possess more, or a higher level of, empowerment.

A new method of analysis was introduced in 2019, to create consistency across agencies. Prior year data has been changed. For more information about the change, or for help in comparing your community's data, please email info@sumn.org.

* Note: The Search Institute's Empowerment Scale uses 6 indicators, rather than the 3 used by the MSS.
Items used and adapted with permission from Search Institute (2004). The Developmental Assets Profile. Minneapolis: Author. Copyright © 2004 by Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). All rights reserved.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Empowerment, as Determined by the Developmental Assets Scale, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 24,984.0 63.9% 27,200.0 64.3% 24,842.0 60.2%
Metro 13,222.0 65.1% 14,864.0 66.1% 13,357.0 61.3%
Non-Metro 11,762.0 62.5% 12,336.0 62.3% 11,485.0 59.1%

About the Indicator:

The Developmental Assets framework was devised by the Search Institute* to identify skills and behaviors that contribute to positive adolescent development. Survey questions were generated and grouped to compose a series of scales to assess such development. For the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), questions were added to facilitate analysis of the following scales: Social Competency, Positive Identity, and Empowerment (please visit SUMN.org for additional fact sheets).

The modified Empowerment Scale comprises 3 subsets of a question included on the Minnesota Student Survey as follows:

In general, how does each of the following statements describe you?

  • I feel valued and appreciated by others
  • I am included in family tasks and decisions
  • I am given useful roles and responsibilities

The response options to these statements were, “Not at all or rarely,” “Somewhat or sometimes,” “Very or often,” and “Extremely or almost always.” These responses were assigned a numerical score of 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Students with a total of 9 or more (an average of 3 or higher for the 3 questions) are considered by this scale to possess more, or a higher level of, empowerment.

A new method of analysis was introduced in 2019, to create consistency across agencies. Prior year data has been changed. For more information about the change, or for help in comparing your community's data, please email info@sumn.org.

* Note: The Search Institute's Empowerment Scale uses 6 indicators, rather than the 3 used by the MSS.
Items used and adapted with permission from Search Institute (2004). The Developmental Assets Profile. Minneapolis: Author. Copyright © 2004 by Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). All rights reserved.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Social Competency, as Determined by the Developmental Assets Scale, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 23,942.0 62.8% 25,520.0 63.4% 23,679.0 58.4%
East Central 3,384.0 61.2% 3,176.0 61.8% 3,291.0 56.6%
Metro 13,000.0 65.9% 14,694.0 66.0% 13,082.0 61.0%
Non-Metro 10,942.0 59.5% 10,826.0 60.1% 10,597.0 55.6%
Northwest 923.0 56.1% 907.0 55.0% 851.0 53.0%
Northeast 1,187.0 57.6% 1,018.0 55.9% 1,010.0 50.1%
Southeast 1,908.0 59.1% 2,336.0 60.9% 2,258.0 56.5%
Southwest 2,124.0 59.8% 1,991.0 60.4% 1,923.0 56.2%
West Central 1,416.0 59.4% 1,398.0 61.5% 1,264.0 57.0%

About the Indicator:

The Developmental Assets framework was devised by the Search Institute* to identify skills and behaviors that contribute to positive adolescent development. Survey questions were generated and grouped to compose a series of scales to assess such development. For the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), questions were added to facilitate analysis of the following scales: Social Competency, Positive Identity, and Empowerment (please visit SUMN.org for additional fact sheets).

The Social Competency Scale comprises 8 subsets of a question included on the Minnesota Student Survey, as follows:

In general, how does each of the following statements describe you?

  • I say no to things that are dangerous or unhealthy
  • I build friendships with other people
  • I express my feelings in proper ways
  • I plan ahead and make good choices
  • I stay away from bad influences
  • I resolve conflicts without anyone getting hurt
  • I accept people who are different from me
  • I am sensitive to the needs and feelings of others

The response options to these statements were, “Not at all or rarely,” “Somewhat or sometimes,” “Very or often,” and “Extremely or almost always.” These responses were assigned a numerical score of 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Students with a total score of 24 or more (an average of 3 or higher for the 8 questions) are considered by this scale to have higher levels of social competency.

A new method of analysis was introduced in 2019, to create consistency across agencies. Prior year data has been changed. For more information about the change, or for help in comparing your community's data, please email info@sumn.org.

*Items used and adapted with permission from Search Institute (2004). The Developmental Assets Profile. Minneapolis: Author. Copyright © 2004 by Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). All rights reserved.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Positive Identity, as Determined by the Developmental Assets Scale, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 21,179.0 54.3% 22,430.0 55.5% 18,747.0 45.8%
East Central 2,954.0 52.3% 2,813.0 54.7% 2,574.0 44.0%
Metro 11,228.0 55.4% 12,678.0 56.7% 10,126.0 46.7%
Non-Metro 9,951.0 53.0% 9,752.0 53.9% 8,621.0 44.8%
Northwest 847.0 49.9% 836.0 50.1% 701.0 43.4%
Northeast 1,066.0 51.3% 932.0 51.2% 795.0 39.4%
Southeast 1,753.0 53.3% 2,068.0 53.8% 1,801.0 44.7%
Southwest 1,985.0 55.0% 1,848.0 55.9% 1,619.0 46.8%
West Central 1,346.0 55.3% 1,255.0 54.8% 1,131.0 50.2%

About the Indicator:

The Developmental Assets framework was devised by the Search Institute* to identify skills and behaviors that contribute to positive adolescent development. Survey questions were generated and grouped to compose a series of scales to assess such development. For the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), questions were added to facilitate analysis of the following scales: Social Competency, Positive Identity, and Empowerment (please visit SUMN.org for additional fact sheets).

The Positive Identity Scale comprises 6 subsets of a question included on the Minnesota Student Survey as follows:

In general, how does each of the following statements describe you?

  • I feel in control of my life and future
  • I feel good about myself
  • I feel good about my future
  • I deal with disappointment without getting too upset
  • I find ways to deal with the things that are hard in my life
  • I am thinking about what my purpose is in life

Modifications to the Search Institute scale were made for 5th graders on the first and last questions on the MSS. They were written as:

  • I can shape and influence what happens in my life and future
  • I think about what I want to do with my life when I grow up

The response options to these statements were, “Not at all or rarely,” “Somewhat or sometimes,” “Very or often,” and “Extremely or almost always.” These responses were assigned a numerical score of 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Students with a total score of 18 or more (an average of 3 or higher for the 6 questions) are considered by this scale to have a high level of positive identity.

A new method of analysis was introduced in 2019, to create consistency across agencies. Prior year data has been changed. For more information about the change, or for help in comparing your community's data, please email info@sumn.org.

*Items used and adapted with permission from Search Institute (2004). The Developmental Assets Profile. Minneapolis: Author. Copyright© 2004 by Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). All rights reserved.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Higher Levels of Positive Identity, as Determined by the Developmental Assets Scale, 2013 - 2019: by Location

2013 2016 2019
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 21,179.0 54.3% 23,265.0 55.3% 18,747.0 45.8%
Metro 11,228.0 55.4% 12,678.0 56.7% 10,126.0 46.7%
Non-Metro 9,951.0 53.0% 10,587.0 53.7% 8,621.0 44.8%

About the Indicator:

The Developmental Assets framework was devised by the Search Institute* to identify skills and behaviors that contribute to positive adolescent development. Survey questions were generated and grouped to compose a series of scales to assess such development. For the Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), questions were added to facilitate analysis of the following scales: Social Competency, Positive Identity, and Empowerment (please visit SUMN.org for additional fact sheets).

The Positive Identity Scale comprises 6 subsets of a question included on the Minnesota Student Survey as follows:

In general, how does each of the following statements describe you?

  • I feel in control of my life and future
  • I feel good about myself
  • I feel good about my future
  • I deal with disappointment without getting too upset
  • I find ways to deal with the things that are hard in my life
  • I am thinking about what my purpose is in life

Modifications to the Search Institute scale were made for 5th graders on the first and last questions on the MSS. They were written as:

  • I can shape and influence what happens in my life and future
  • I think about what I want to do with my life when I grow up

The response options to these statements were, “Not at all or rarely,” “Somewhat or sometimes,” “Very or often,” and “Extremely or almost always.” These responses were assigned a numerical score of 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Students with a total score of 18 or more (an average of 3 or higher for the 6 questions) are considered by this scale to have a high level of positive identity.

A new method of analysis was introduced in 2019, to create consistency across agencies. Prior year data has been changed. For more information about the change, or for help in comparing your community's data, please email info@sumn.org.

*Items used and adapted with permission from Search Institute (2004). The Developmental Assets Profile. Minneapolis: Author. Copyright© 2004 by Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). All rights reserved.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Relatives Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 35,264.0 82.6%
East Central 5,035.0 82.6%
Metro 18,733.0 82.8%
Non-Metro 16,531.0 82.3%
Northwest 1,409.0 83.1%
Northeast 1,730.0 81.8%
Southeast 3,397.0 81.0%
Southwest 2,982.0 82.3%
West Central 1,978.0 84.3%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their relatives care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 2.1 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 2.0 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.6 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 3.5 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their relatives only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Their Relatives Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 35,264.0 82.6%
Metro 18,733.0 82.8%
Non-Metro 16,531.0 82.3%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their relatives care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 2.1 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 2.0 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.6 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 3.5 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their relatives only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Teachers and School Adults Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 19,829.0 46.5%
East Central 2,849.0 46.8%
Metro 10,563.0 46.8%
Non-Metro 9,266.0 46.2%
Northwest 739.0 43.8%
Northeast 913.0 43.2%
Southeast 1,926.0 45.9%
Southwest 1,722.0 47.6%
West Central 1,117.0 47.7%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their teachers and other school adults care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 2.1 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 2.1 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.5 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.7 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their relatives only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting That They Feel That Teachers and School Adults Care About Them Quite a Bit or Very Much, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 19,829.0 46.5%
Metro 10,563.0 46.8%
Non-Metro 9,266.0 46.2%

About the Indicator:

Feeling cared about by people in their lives is a factor associated with protection against both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who think their teachers and other school adults care about them “quite a bit” or “very much” are 2.1 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 2.1 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.5 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 2.7 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who think their relatives only care “some,” “a little,” or “not at all.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That They Feel Safe in Their Neighborhoods, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 41,809.0 95.7%
East Central 5,964.0 95.6%
Metro 22,320.0 96.0%
Non-Metro 19,489.0 95.4%
Northwest 1,640.0 95.7%
Northeast 2,039.0 94.6%
Southeast 4,030.0 95.5%
Southwest 3,512.0 95.2%
West Central 2,304.0 95.6%

About the Indicator:

Feeling safe and secure is a factor associated with both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who “strongly agree” or “agree” they feel safe in their neighborhoods are 1.9 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.8 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.2 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 3.4 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who “disagree” or “strongly disagree.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That They Feel Safe in Their Neighborhoods, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 41,809.0 95.7%
Metro 22,320.0 96.0%
Non-Metro 19,489.0 95.4%

About the Indicator:

Feeling safe and secure is a factor associated with both substance use and mental health disorders. According to 2019 MSS data, students who “strongly agree” or “agree” they feel safe in their neighborhoods are 1.9 times less likely to report past month alcohol use, 1.8 times less likely to report past month tobacco use, 2.2 times less likely to report past month marijuana use, and 3.4 times less likely to report any past month prescription drug misuse as compared to those who “disagree” or “strongly disagree.” N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That They Feel Safe at Home, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 42,255.0 96.7%
East Central 6,008.0 96.2%
Metro 22,521.0 96.9%
Non-Metro 19,734.0 96.5%
Northwest 1,669.0 97.5%
Northeast 2,081.0 96.8%
Southeast 4,085.0 96.7%
Southwest 3,569.0 96.6%
West Central 2,322.0 96.2%

About the Indicator:

Feeling safe and secure is a factor associated with both substance use and mental health disorders.  

N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.



Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Strongly Agree or Agree That They Feel Safe at Home, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 42,255.0 96.7%
Metro 22,521.0 96.9%
Non-Metro 19,734.0 96.5%

About the Indicator:

Feeling safe and secure is a factor associated with both substance use and mental health disorders. 

N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Adult Mental Health

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Adult Mental Health

Youth Mental Health

8th Students Reporting They Did Something to Purposely Hurt or Injure Themselves Without Wanting to Die (Such as Cutting, Burning, or Bruising) in the Past Year, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 6,208.0 15.5% 6,756.0 15.9%
Metro 3,401.0 16.3% 3,516.0 15.6%
Non-Metro 2,807.0 14.5% 3,240.0 16.3%

About the Indicator:

Self-harm is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-year self-harm, those who DID report self-harm were 2.4 times more likely to report alcohol use; 2.9 times more likely to report tobacco use; 2.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 5.1 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

For more information on the association between self-harm and substance use, see the 2015 Mental Health and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Did Something to Purposely Hurt or Injure Themselves Without Wanting to Die (Such as Cutting, Burning, or Bruising) in the Past Year, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 6,208.0 15.5% 6,495.0 15.9%
East Central 901.0 15.3% 791.0 15.2%
Metro 3,401.0 16.3% 3,516.0 15.6%
Non-Metro 2,807.0 14.5% 2,979.0 16.3%
Northwest 242.0 13.9% 309.0 18.5%
Northeast 327.0 15.5% 338.0 18.5%
Southeast 478.0 14.2% 663.0 17.1%
Southwest 522.0 14.2% 511.0 15.3%
West Central 337.0 13.3% 367.0 15.9%

About the Indicator:

Self-harm is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-year self-harm, those who DID report self-harm were 2.4 times more likely to report alcohol use; 2.9 times more likely to report tobacco use; 2.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 5.1 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

For more information on the association between self-harm and substance use, see the 2015 Mental Health and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Youth Reporting High Distress Levels for Internalizing Disorders, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 9,979.0 25.3%
East Central 1,440.0 25.1%
Metro 5,228.0 25.6%
Non-Metro 4,751.0 25.1%
Northwest 434.0 25.3%
Northeast 557.0 26.8%
Southeast 853.0 25.8%
Southwest 889.0 24.5%
West Central 578.0 23.4%

About the Indicator: Students with three or more internalizing disorders are considered to have a high distress level. Internalizing disorders are measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs--Short Screener (GAIN-SS). New to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, students were asked about "significant" problems. Significant means "having problems for two or more weeks, problems that keep coming back, problems that keep you from meeting your responsibilities, or problems that make you feel like you can't go on."

  • Significant past 12 month problems with feeling very trapped, lonely, sad, blue, depressed, or hopeless about the future
  • Significant past 12 month problems with sleep trouble, such as bad dreams, sleeping restlessly or falling asleep during the day
  • Significant past 12 month problems with feeling very anxious, nervous, tense, scared, panicked or like something bad was going to happen
  • Significant past 12 month problems with become very distressed and upset when something reminded you of the past
  • Significant past 12 month problems with thinking about ending your life or committing suicide

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Youth Reporting High Distress Levels for Internalizing Disorders, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 9,979.0 25.3%
Metro 5,228.0 25.6%
Non-Metro 4,751.0 25.1%

About the Indicator: Students with three or more internalizing disorders are considered to have a high distress level. Internalizing disorders are measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs--Short Screener (GAIN-SS). New to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, students were asked about "significant" problems. Significant means "having problems for two or more weeks, problems that keep coming back, problems that keep you from meeting your responsibilities, or problems that make you feel like you can't go on."

  • Significant past 12 month problems with feeling very trapped, lonely, sad, blue, depressed, or hopeless about the future
  • Significant past 12 month problems with sleep trouble, such as bad dreams, sleeping restlessly or falling asleep during the day
  • Significant past 12 month problems with feeling very anxious, nervous, tense, scared, panicked or like something bad was going to happen
  • Significant past 12 month problems with become very distressed and upset when something reminded you of the past
  • Significant past 12 month problems with thinking about ending your life or committing suicide

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Youth Reporting High Distress Levels for Externalizing Disorders, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 11,434.0 28.9%
East Central 1,645.0 28.4%
Metro 6,114.0 29.8%
Non-Metro 5,320.0 27.9%
Northwest 498.0 29.1%
Northeast 610.0 29.1%
Southeast 982.0 29.6%
Southwest 957.0 26.3%
West Central 628.0 25.3%

About the Indicator: Students with three or more externalizing disorders are considered to have a high distress level. Externalizing disorders are measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs--Short Screener (GAIN-SS). New to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, students were asked about doing any of the following two or more times in the past 12 months:

  • "Lie or con to get things you wanted or to avoid having to do something"
  • "Have a hard time paying attention at school, work, or home"
  • "Have a hard time listening to instructions at school, work, or home"
  • "Be a bully or threaten other people"
  • "Start fights with other people"

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Youth Reporting High Distress Levels for Externalizing Disorders, 2013: by Location

2013
Number Percent
Minnesota 11,434.0 28.9%
Metro 6,114.0 29.8%
Non-Metro 5,320.0 27.9%

About the Indicator: Students with three or more externalizing disorders are considered to have a high distress level. Externalizing disorders are measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs--Short Screener (GAIN-SS). New to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, students were asked about doing any of the following two or more times in the past 12 months:

  • "Lie or con to get things you wanted or to avoid having to do something"
  • "Have a hard time paying attention at school, work, or home"
  • "Have a hard time listening to instructions at school, work, or home"
  • "Be a bully or threaten other people"
  • "Start fights with other people"

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Past 2-Week Depressive Symptoms, 2019 - 2022: by Location

2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 8,603.0 20.9% 8,440.0 26.2%
East Central 1,248.0 21.1% 1,145.0 26.3%
Metro 4,534.0 20.8% 4,411.0 25.7%
Non-Metro 4,069.0 20.9% 4,029.0 26.7%
Northwest 369.0 22.5% 279.0 24.3%
Northeast 429.0 21.1% 527.0 30.9%
Southeast 866.0 21.3% 751.0 24.6%
Southwest 710.0 20.2% 827.0 27.2%
West Central 447.0 19.7% 500.0 28.2%

8th Students Reporting Past 2-Week Depressive Symptoms, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 8,603.0 20.9%
Metro 4,534.0 20.8%
Non-Metro 4,069.0 20.9%

8th Students Reporting Past 2-Week Symptoms of Anxiety, 2019 - 2022: by Location

2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 9,681.0 23.4% 9,594.0 29.6%
East Central 1,370.0 23.1% 1,319.0 30.1%
Metro 5,184.0 23.7% 5,019.0 29.0%
Non-Metro 4,497.0 23.0% 4,575.0 30.2%
Northwest 405.0 24.6% 355.0 30.8%
Northeast 503.0 24.5% 583.0 34.0%
Southeast 949.0 23.2% 852.0 27.8%
Southwest 772.0 21.9% 907.0 29.6%
West Central 498.0 21.8% 559.0 31.4%

8th Students Reporting Past 2-Week Symptoms of Anxiety, 2019: by Location

2019
Number Percent
Minnesota 9,681.0 23.4%
Metro 5,184.0 23.7%
Non-Metro 4,497.0 23.0%

Suicide

8th Students Reporting They Seriously Considered Attempting Suicide in the Last Year, 2013 - 2016: by Location

2013 2016
Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 4,211.0 10.6% 4,929.0 11.6%
Metro 2,219.0 10.7% 2,573.0 11.4%
Non-Metro 1,992.0 10.4% 2,356.0 11.9%

About the Indicator:

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are strongly associated with substance use. According to Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, almost one-fourth of suicide victims are legally intoxicated when they die.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.2% of 9th graders and 18.2% of 11th graders nationally seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months. 

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-year suicidal ideation, those who DID report suicidal ideation were 2.3 times more likely to report alcohol use; 2.7 times more likely to report tobacco use; 2.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 4.6 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

For more information on the association between suicidal ideation and substance use, see the 2015 Mental Health and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting They Seriously Considered Attempting Suicide in the Last Year, 2013 - 2022: by Location

2013 2016 2019 2022
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Minnesota 4,211.0 10.6% 4,729.0 11.6% 5,408.0 12.7% 4,718.0 14.6%
East Central 631.0 10.8% 625.0 12.0% 780.0 12.7% 667.0 15.3%
Metro 2,219.0 10.7% 2,573.0 11.4% 2,738.0 12.1% 2,435.0 14.2%
Non-Metro 1,992.0 10.4% 2,156.0 11.8% 2,670.0 13.3% 2,283.0 15.1%
Northwest 186.0 10.8% 222.0 13.3% 245.0 14.4% 168.0 14.6%
Northeast 223.0 10.7% 239.0 13.1% 290.0 13.8% 294.0 17.3%
Southeast 359.0 10.7% 435.0 11.2% 578.0 13.7% 410.0 13.4%
Southwest 358.0 9.8% 368.0 11.0% 466.0 12.8% 451.0 14.7%
West Central 235.0 9.4% 267.0 11.6% 311.0 13.3% 293.0 16.6%

About the Indicator:

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are strongly associated with substance use. According to Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, almost one-fourth of suicide victims are legally intoxicated when they die.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.2% of 9th graders and 18.2% of 11th graders nationally seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months. 

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported NO past-year suicidal ideation, those who DID report suicidal ideation were 2.3 times more likely to report alcohol use; 2.7 times more likely to report tobacco use; 2.7 times more likely to report marijuana use; and 4.6 times more likely to report prescription drug misuse.

For more information on the association between suicidal ideation and substance use, see the 2015 Mental Health and Substance Use SUMN Fact Sheet.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Students Reporting Gambling Behaviors

8th Students Reporting Engaging in Problematic Gambling in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 1,218.0 9.3%
East Central 151.0 8.3%
Metro 704.0 9.7%
Non-Metro 514.0 8.7%
Northwest 51.0 9.0%
Northeast 61.0 11.3%
Southeast 112.0 9.0%
Southwest 83.0 8.7%
West Central 56.0 7.5%

About the Indicator:

In 2016, for the first time, students were asked:
"During the last 12 months, how often have you...

  • hidden gambling/betting from your parents, other family members, or teachers?

  • felt that you might have a problem with gambling/betting?

  • skipped hanging out with friends who do not gamble/bet to hang out with friends who do gamble/bet?"

Response options included Never, Sometimes, Many times, and All of the time. Students who reported Sometimes, Many times, or All of the time for any of the above questions are considered to have engaged in any problematic gambling.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Engaging in Problematic Gambling in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 1,264.0 9.2%
Metro 704.0 9.7%
Non-Metro 560.0 8.7%

About the Indicator:

In 2016, for the first time, students were asked:
"During the last 12 months, how often have you...

  • hidden gambling/betting from your parents, other family members, or teachers?

  • felt that you might have a problem with gambling/betting?

  • skipped hanging out with friends who do not gamble/bet to hang out with friends who do gamble/bet?"

Response options included Never, Sometimes, Many times, and All of the time. Students who reported Sometimes, Many times, or All of the time for any of the above questions are considered to have engaged in any problematic gambling.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Gambling Online Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 1,138.0 2.8%
East Central 166.0 3.2%
Metro 672.0 3.0%
Non-Metro 466.0 2.6%
Northwest 40.0 2.4%
Northeast 48.0 2.7%
Southeast 103.0 2.7%
Southwest 59.0 1.8%
West Central 50.0 2.2%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Gambling Online Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 1,182.0 2.8%
Metro 672.0 3.0%
Non-Metro 510.0 2.6%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Gambling in a Casino Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 694.0 1.7%
East Central 110.0 2.1%
Metro 391.0 1.8%
Non-Metro 303.0 1.7%
Northwest 31.0 1.9%
Northeast 30.0 1.7%
Southeast 57.0 1.5%
Southwest 39.0 1.2%
West Central 36.0 1.6%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Gambling in a Casino Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 716.0 1.7%
Metro 391.0 1.8%
Non-Metro 325.0 1.6%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Buying Lottery Tickets Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 4,160.0 10.3%
East Central 521.0 10.0%
Metro 2,362.0 10.6%
Non-Metro 1,798.0 9.9%
Northwest 186.0 11.2%
Northeast 162.0 9.2%
Southeast 437.0 11.4%
Southwest 277.0 8.4%
West Central 215.0 9.4%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Buying Lottery Tickets Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 4,324.0 10.3%
Metro 2,362.0 10.6%
Non-Metro 1,962.0 10.0%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Betting on Sports or Card Games Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 11,284.0 27.9%
East Central 1,587.0 30.5%
Metro 6,201.0 27.8%
Non-Metro 5,083.0 28.1%
Northwest 474.0 28.6%
Northeast 475.0 26.9%
Southeast 1,053.0 27.3%
Southwest 838.0 25.3%
West Central 656.0 28.5%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

8th Students Reporting Betting on Sports or Card Games Monthly or More Often in the Past Year, 2016: by Location

2016
Number Percent
Minnesota 11,730.0 27.9%
Metro 6,201.0 27.8%
Non-Metro 5,529.0 28.0%

About the Indicator:

 In 2016, students were asked the following question:

"During the last 12 months, how often have you done the following gambling/betting activities?

  • Played cards, bet on sports teams or games of personal skill, like video gaming, pool, golf, or bowling

  • Bought lottery tickets or scratch-offs

  • Gambled in a casino

  • Gambled for money online"

Response options included Not at all, Less than once a month, About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, and Daily. Data here include any student who reported gambling About once a month, About once a week, 2 to 6 times a week, or Daily.

Gambling is associated with increased substance use. In 2016, students who reported gambling monthly or more frequently in the past year were twice as likely to report alcohol use in the past month, compared to students who gambled less frequently or not at all. They were also 2.1 times as likely to report tobacco use, 2.0 times as likely to report marijuana use, and 2.3 times as likely to report prescription drug misuse in the past month. Students reporting problematic gambling were even more likely to report past-month substance use.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Alcohol Treatment

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Alcohol Treatment

Drug Treatment

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Drug Treatment

Admissions to Treatment by Referral Source

No data was found for 8th (Grade) in the category Admissions to Treatment by Referral Source

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Description: The MSS is a confidential and anonymous self-administered survey given to students attending Minnesota public, charter and tribal schools. From 1995 to 2010, the survey was administered to students in 6th, 9th, and 12th grades. New in 2013, the survey was administered to students in 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades. Trend data are now only available for 9th graders, and only for survey questions that did not change. Most schools elect to participate in the survey; in 2013, this included 84% of public schools in Minnesota.

Although the data are not presented here, the survey is also administered to area learning centers, juvenile correction facilities and private schools electing to participate.

Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Education

Geographic Level: State, Region, and County

Aggregated data at the state and county level do not reveal disparities that may exist within a given geographic area.

Frequency: Data collected and reported every three years

Characteristics: The results of the MSS are also available at a county level. Data Privacy requirements mandate that data is presented in a manner such that no individual student can be identified through the presentation of the results. As part of the Data Privacy practices, the results are also presented in a manner that no individual school district could be identified through the results. Therefore, for counties that have only one school district, the results are not presented. Results are also withheld for counties in which the minimum number for student participation was not met.

The MSS is a “census” of schools, not a sample. The school districts get their own data. Fifth-graders were not asked all substance use questions. Some school districts do not participate, and student participation within the school district can vary widely. These data are self-reported.