Results of 2014 Masco Youth Risk Survey

Fifty people including Tri-Town Council members, community supporters, parents, school administrators, health professionals, members of local law enforcement and students met on Monday, Nov. 2 in the Masconomet Cafeteria for Community Conversation. The purpose: to learn the results of the 2014 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the 2015 Adult Perception Survey and to discuss ways in which that information can be used to “support and encourage our youth and to answer the question, “Are Our Children Well?” – an indicator in African culture of the overall health of the community.

Complete survey results can be found on the Tri-Town council website – tritowncouncil.org.

The event was sponsored by the Coalition, a program of the Tri-Town Council in collaboration with the Masconomet Regional School District and SHAC (School Health Advisory Council.) Part of a nationwide program, the local Coalition was formed to address youth substance use prevention. It is not federally funded and is, according to Tri-Town Council communication director, Bethany Blake, “a formidable leadership group that is doing good work.”

This group sponsored the biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey in which more than 87 percent of Middle and High School students participated. The Tri-Town Council sponsored the Adult Perception Survey, which received 508 responses – 31 percent from Boxford, 30 percent from Topsfield and 26 percent from Middleton. Key concerns for adults were social issues, substance use, mental health issues, academic pressure and bullying.

Community supporters present at the forum to discuss the Youth Risk Survey were: Donna Davis of Middleton, Mental Health; Ken Lidden, Health and Wellness; Boxford Police Lt. Jim Riter, Law Enforcement; Derek Fullerton, Middleton Public Health; Sharon Stewart, Education; Neil Meehan, Public Health; Terry Sievers, Public Health; the Rev. Larry Schell, Faith; and Masconomet school nurse, Karen Trevenen, Education and Health.)

Lisa Teichner, executive director of the Tri-Town Council, introduced the evening’s program, which included opportunity for small group conversation at tables between presentations. Meredith Shaw, Coalition Coordinator, asked the important questions: “Are our children well? What are the signs of well being?” The audience offered “happy, connected, balanced, engaged, kind” as indicators.

Stephanie Meegan, member of the Coalition and an educational consultant, introduced the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Study. The Surveys compare Masconomet students to other Massachusetts students and to the 2012 Masco Surveys. Meegan pointed out that a national survey tool is used to assure that kids are telling the truth in the survey. Questions are asked “in deft ways,” and an independent evaluator looks at trends and compares results.

'A toxic tipping point'

An example of the information presented: the first topic was stress, which can be, in Meegan’s words, “a toxic tipping point.” Sixty percent of Middle School students said stress was a problem. Eighty percent reported using stress management techniques; talking to family members and parents was high on the list.

Meegan concluded, “Conversations with our kids matter. Let them know that together we can handle this.”

Eighty percent of High School students reported stress was a problem with girls experiencing it more often than boys. Tim Buglisi, a sophomore from Boxford added a personal note. “The competition is insane. Striving for an A is higher than it has ever been. You can end up disappointed and stressed. I am already thinking about colleges.” Parent Kelly Smith agreed: “Our kids are fortunate. They know they will have lunch and dinner but they still have stress.”

Other topics included suicide (Masconomet has done a lot of work on suicide prevention,) bullying (80% of Middle School students say they have not been bullied,) and substance use (the Middle School has extremely low use rate but e-cigarettes are an area to watch, and the High School survey showed that 2014 marijuana and drug use is at the same level as 2012.)

Dr. Neil Meehan warned that, ”Over time cigarette use is what’s going to hurt us.” A national survey shows that 38 percent of e-cigarette users go on to tobacco cigarettes.

Boxford Police Lieutenant James Riter reported a “downturn in parties. There are fewer alcohol-related calls and the communities are more aware” of substance use, he added.

Sharing information

The evening ended with a discussion of how the information in the surveys can be used to best effect. It is necessary to identify and measure positive behaviors and promote the latter. The gap between what’s happening and what we think is happening needs to be closed. The Tri-Town Council is working with the Masconomet Student Council, and Shaw believes, “We have to continue to be innovative” in finding ways to reach parents and share information.”

Collaboration with different organizations was suggested. Community Supporter, Ken Lidden believes, “Change starts with me. I can work at home. I have to take the information home. Then it spreads.” Stephanie Meegan added, “We all have spheres of influence” that can be used to make sure our children are well."

Finally, Coalition Coordinator Meredith Shaw believes that “Most kids in the tri-town community are well. The data clearly shows that. Is there still work to be done? Of course. This was an important evening for our community; an evening such as this is like throwing a stone into a pond – the ripples begin and who knows how far they will go.”