A newly released statewide study provides a detailed snapshot of the health, behavior, and attitudes of Illinois teens, revealing both challenges and areas of resilience among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. The Illinois Youth Survey (IYS), conducted in spring 2024 by the Center for Prevention Research and Development at the University of Illinois, surveyed over 10,000 students and offers critical insights for schools, policymakers, and parents.
Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among Illinois teens, though the majority report no recent use. When asked, in the past year, 18% of 8th graders, 26% of 10th graders, and 37% of 12th graders said they had consumed alcohol. Marijuana use was reported by 3% of 8th graders, 9% of 10th graders, and 18% of 12th graders in the past year. E-cigarette use (vaping) was reported by 5% of 8th graders, 8% of 10th graders, and 12% of 12th graders in the past year.
IIn the 30 days before the survey, 8% of 8th graders, 12% of 10th graders, and 21% of 12th graders reported drinking alcohol. Only 2% of 8th graders, 5% of 10th graders, and 11% of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past month. Cigarette smoking and use of other illicit drugs remain rare, with 2% or less of students in any grade reporting recent use.
Binge drinking-defined as having five or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks-was reported by 1% of 8th graders, 4% of 10th graders, and 8% of 12th graders.
Mental Health Concerns: Persistent Sadness and Suicidal Ideation
Mental health indicators signal ongoing concerns. Nearly one in three students (30% of 8th graders, 32% of 10th graders, and 30% of 12th graders) reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more that they stopped doing some usual activities. Among high schoolers, 12% of 10th graders and 10% of 12th graders said they seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
Bullying and Safety: Experiences Decline With Age
Bullying remains a significant issue, particularly in middle school. Thirty-one percent of 8th graders reported being called names, and 20% experienced online harassment in the past year. These rates decline in higher grades but remain notable: 18% of 10th graders and 14% of 12th graders reported being called names, while 16% and 13% experienced online bullying, respectively. About 6% of 8th graders and 3% of 12th graders missed school in the past month because they felt unsafe.
School Climate and Support
Most students report positive relationships with adults at school. Over 70% of students in all grades agreed that there is at least one adult at school who cares about them, listens to them, and encourages them to do their best. Participation in extracurricular activities is high, with more than half of students involved in at least one school or community activity.
Parental Influence and Perceptions
Parental disapproval of substance use remains strong: 80% of 8th graders, 70% of 10th graders, and 60% of 12th graders believe their parents think regular alcohol use is “very wrong.” However, parental monitoring appears to decrease as students age-by 12th grade, only 24% of students said their parents would “always” catch them drinking without permission, compared to 38% in 8th grade.
Perceptions vs. Reality: Teens Overestimate Peer Substance Use
A significant gap exists between perceived and actual substance use. For example, 10th graders estimated that 40% of their peers drank alcohol in the past month, but only 12% actually reported doing so. Similarly, students believed that 38% of their peers used marijuana in the past month, while only 5% reported use themselves.
The 2024 Illinois Youth Survey highlights important trends: while most teens avoid substance use, mental health and bullying remain pressing challenges.
