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Parkland youth ambassadors tell commission mental health, drugs and e-vehicle safety top concerns
Summary
Parkland high-school ambassadors presented survey results showing mental health (88%), drug use (80%) and bullying (52%) as top youth concerns; students urged more counselors, timely access to treatment and clearer enforcement for e-bikes and scooters.
A group of Parkland high-school students presented results from a peer survey to the City of Parkland commission, telling elected officials that mental health, drug use and bullying rank as the biggest issues facing local youth.
Jackie Weymayer, the city’s senior director of strategy and intergovernmental affairs, introduced the Parkland Youth Ambassador program. Student presenters said 88% of respondents identified mental health among their top three concerns, 80% listed drug use (highlighting vaping), and 52% named bullying or cyberbullying.
The students recommended expanding access to school counselors and therapy programs, reducing barriers such as long wait times and stigma, and providing better training for educators to spot and respond to mental-health issues. One presenter urged ‘‘tangible support like school counselors, therapy programs, and stress-management workshops.’’
On vaping, a student cited floridahealthcharts.gov and noted that ‘‘31.8 percent of middle and high school students in Broward County reported having used a vape with marijuana oil in 2024,’’ adding ‘‘that’s one in three students.’’ Commissioners asked about methodology; the students said responses were collected via free-response Google forms and interviews.
E-bike and e-scooter safety also emerged: 40% of respondents listed e-vehicles as a top issue and students asked for clearer rules and enforcement, not just warnings. Commissioners suggested partnering with local organizations (Eagles’ Haven, the chamber, schools) and using community events to increase awareness and volunteer or internship opportunities for youth.
The presentation concluded with the commission praising the students’ work and discussing follow-up steps for possible city-supported outreach and partnerships.
