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Radnor PAYS data: some declines in youth substance use, but binge drinking and nicotine pouches worry staff
Summary
The 2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey for Radnor students shows declines for several substances among younger students and 12th graders, but increases in 10th‑grade alcohol use and high nicotine‑pouch reporting among 10th and 12th graders; presenters urged more parent education and targeted supports.
Nadine Carol, an education alliance specialist with Karen Treatment Centers, told the Radnor Curriculum Committee on June 2 that the district’s results from the 2025 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) show mixed trends: several decreases since 2023 in lifetime and past‑30‑day substance use for sixth, eighth and 12th graders, but concerning increases among tenth graders in recent alcohol use and sustained rates of binge drinking among older students.
Carol summarized the methodology and cautioned that all PAYS numbers are self‑reported: ‘‘Students are asked about lifetime use and past‑30‑day use; we compare cohorts to prior cycles and state and national data to identify trends,’’ she said. The presentation noted that lifetime vaping and cigarette use continued downward trends and that fewer 12th graders now report ever trying alcohol than in earlier cycles, but that past‑30‑day alcohol use rose to 20.8% for 10th graders and to 36.3% for 12th graders in 2025 and that binge‑drinking rates rose for both 10th and 12th grades versus 2023.
New in 2025: nicotine‑pouch questions. PAYS added items asking whether students have used nicotine pouches (discreet oral pouches placed in the cheek). Carol said 10th‑ and 12th‑grade Radnor students reported higher nicotine‑pouch use than state and national averages and that 10th‑grade reporting in some categories equaled or exceeded senior levels — a pattern that drew attention from the committee.
Risk and protective factors: The survey identified perceived parental permissiveness toward antisocial behavior as a top risk factor. Family attachment and school rewards for pro‑social involvement were the top protective factors in Radnor’s results. Carol recommended strengthening parent education, considering mandated interventions (for example, substance‑use support groups for students who violate policy), and improving SAP referral and follow‑up processes.
Mental‑health signals: Carol noted slight increases in reported sadness/depression and suicide‑related measures for select grades, and recommended continued monitoring and resource coordination. The presentation also included new screen‑time items and encouraged the district to watch trends over future cycles.
Board members asked about survey timing (administration in the fall of odd‑numbered years; Radnor’s 2025 administration occurred in October/November) and about how to share findings with staff, families and students. Carol and board members suggested targeted family outreach and curricular integration of prevention messages, especially ahead of the junior and senior years when risky behaviors increase.
The committee did not take formal action; staff were directed to use the results to plan training, parent programming and targeted interventions in the coming year.
