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Consultants present 2025 Youth Voices survey showing improvements but classroom bullying remains common
Summary
Consultants presented findings from the 2025 Youth Voices Survey of about 900 Suffield students in grades 6–12, reporting overall reductions in bullying and improved stress and anxiety measures but noting classroom bullying persists; presenters urged middle school-focused prevention and clearer student support pathways.
The Suffield Board of Education on Dec. 15 received the results of the 2025 Youth Voices Survey, which was administered in spring 2025 to students in grades 6–12 and garnered roughly 900 responses, the consultants said.
Bonnie Smith and Luke Smith of B. Weyland Smith Consulting, LLC, presented the findings, saying the survey—conducted every three years in accordance with state statute—measured youth lifestyles, mental health, bullying, substance use and related risk and protective factors and included subgroup analysis.
The consultants reported continued improvement in overall reports of bullying compared with prior surveys but noted that classroom bullying remains the most commonly cited setting. They also said reported levels of stress, worry and anxiety improved relative to earlier survey results. Substance use rates were described as relatively low, with students identifying peers as a significant source of support.
Presentation materials emphasized a particular focus on middle school students and recommended prevention efforts related to substance use and strategies to teach students how to access support. Board members heard the findings and took no formal action at the meeting.
The district did not provide verbatim quotes in the meeting minutes; presenters summarized subgroup trends and recommended targeted prevention and support strategies for middle school students.
