Survey Shows Hopeful Signs for Kansas Youth

The 2026 student survey results from Kansas Communities That Care shows positive trends continue in terms of mental health and substance use, while bullying at school or  cyberbullying remain consistent or slightly below 2025. Kansas Health Foundation's Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, Elaine Johannes, says more than 26,000 students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade in 153 public and private school districts in Kansas participated in the assessment. According to Johannes, the survey provides a snapshot of youth attitudes, perception of risk, and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, bullying, school safety, depression and thoughts of suicide. Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected]. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.