Latest CDC report on youth behavior has some good news — and MAHA vibes

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touts his MAHA priorities at the Republican National Committee's midterm gathering on Sept. 10 in Dallas. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

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Mental health symptoms and suicide risk among American high schoolers improved in 2025 compared to two years prior. That's according to the latest report from the national Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey , conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every two years.

The new report, which primarily highlights students' diets, physical activity and sleep, found improvements in the number of students who ate fruits and vegetables compared to the previous survey. While there was not much improvement in levels of physical activity, more students reported playing on a sports team compared to in 2023.

"We see in this report that our children are eating healthier, engaging in team sports, and experiencing fewer feelings of sadness and hopelessness," said Dr. Jennifer Shuford , CDC's Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer at a press conference held last week to announce the report's findings. "This is good news for kids, for us, and for our country. The focus here is clear: healthier youth today, healthier adults tomorrow."

The survey, commonly known as the YRBS, has been running for more than 35 years. This year's report differs from previous years' which emphasized the dangers teens face from drugs, alcohol and sex. While the 2025 survey collected a range of information, the report highlights topics important to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his MAHA – Make America Healthy Again – movement. It talks about nutrition, exercise, sleep, screen time and mental health while leaving out things like teen smoking and vaping and exposure to violence.

It also leaves out discussion of health disparities among ethnic groups, which was a feature of past reports.

In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health.