Status: Little or no detectable change
Most Recent Data:
78.3
percent
(2019)
Target:
82.9
percent
Desired Direction:
Increase desired
Baseline:
79.0
percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years had an adult in their lives with whom they could talk about serious problems in 2018
Increase the proportion of adolescents who have an adult in their lives with whom they can talk about serious problems
Summary
Adolescents who have an adult to confide in are less likely to take part in risky behaviors. Taking steps to prevent these behaviors is important because they’re linked to many chronic health problems later in life. Evidence shows that mentoring programs are an effective way to improve behavioral, social, emotional, and academic outcomes in adolescents.
Workgroup: Adolescent Health Workgroup
