Abington officials present survey showing declines in youth substance use and improvements in perceived safety, but mental‑health risks persist

District staff presented a comprehensive set of student and staff climate results at the Abington Board of School Directors meeting on June 9, 2026, saying the data show encouraging declines in substance use alongside areas that need more attention.

Dr. Robert Rosenthal, director of pupil services, and Mr. Joe Talia Pharaoh, supervisor of student services, told the board that the most recent Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) and the district’s annual climate survey measured changes in substance use, mental health, school climate and risk and protective factors. Rosenthal said lifetime alcohol use among students is about 22%, and 30‑day alcohol use is near 10%, concentrated among 12th graders. Vaping lifetime prevalence was reported at 9.6%, down from earlier administrations, and marijuana and inhalant use were lower than in past surveys.

The presenters highlighted multi‑year declines in vaping, marijuana use and some self‑harm indicators. Rosenthal said 78% of students reported their overall mental health was good in the last month (up from 72% in 2023), and measures of depressive symptoms and self‑harm declined compared with 2021: 31% reported feeling depressed most days over the past year (down from 43%); 13% reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past 12 months (down from 19%); and 11% reported self‑harm behavior in the previous 12 months (down from 15%). Rosenthal added that 3% (63 students) reported an attempt in the past 12 months, down from earlier counts.

At the same time, the district flagged new concerns. For the first time the PAYS asked about technology and social media use: staff said 91% of respondents have a phone with internet access and 78% have social media accounts; 24% reported four or more hours per day on social media. The district said it plans a community forum and resources for parents, including a showing of the documentary Screenagers.

Board members pressed staff on how survey results would shape instruction and supports. A member asked whether Second Step and other curricula had measurable impact in middle school; staff replied that Second Step is used through sixth grade and the district uses RethinkEd for grades 7–12, and that the district routinely reviews curriculum alignment to survey needs. On screening and follow‑up, the presenters said teachers complete a universal student risk screening for K–8 students and that district teams conduct more than 150 suicide risk assessments annually; parents are contacted after any assessment.

Rosenthal emphasized that survey findings guide targeted interventions and professional development, and pointed to protective factors such as family attachment (73%) and opportunities for pro‑social family involvement (69%). He said schools will continue to refine tiered supports, expand staff able to provide interventions, and partner with community mental‑health resources.

The board requested clarity on subgroup analyses and curriculum updates; staff said PAYS raw data cannot be disaggregated by district request but the district’s climate survey is examined by race and gender and showed no statistical differences of note. The district proposed ongoing community engagement and professional development aimed at early identification and support for students in need.