The Minnesota Department of Health has released results from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey, showing significant improvements in student wellbeing across the state. Officials say students reported stronger connections to their schools, better overall physical and mental health, and fewer problems with bullying, substance use, and absenteeism compared to 2022.

The survey found the first reversal in a decades-long decline in student mental health, with drops in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The percentage of 11th-grade students considering suicide is now at its lowest level in more than ten years.

Education and health leaders credit recent state investments and efforts by schools to rebuild student engagement. Students reported feeling safer at school, more supported by adults, and more connected to post-secondary opportunities.

The survey also recorded declines in tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use, an increase in healthy eating, and fewer students reporting adverse childhood experiences. New questions highlighted concerns about social media and late-night screen use, with many teens saying technology affects their sleep and responsibilities.

More than 119,000 students took the anonymous survey this year.

For full results and data, visit health.state.mn.us.

The Animal Humane Society is reminding Pet owners to protect your pet from the cold this winter. Spokesperson Brittany Baumann says there is much colder air and subzero windchills in the forecast. She says the amount of time a dog or any pet can spend outside in the cold depends on their size, age, fur coat or not, and breed.

Temperatures in the single digits above and below zero can be dangerous for pets in Minnesota. She also says you should never leave a dog in an unoccupied vehicle when it’s cold.