This study utilized data from the 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, administered by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and the North Dakota Department of Health. The main purpose was to determine the extent of reported experiences with weapons, theft and damage to personal property, physical fights, and suicide in the lives of North Dakota adolescents. Comparisons were made according to grade and gender.
Results indicate several areas of concern for parents and professionals who work with adolescents.
One of the most alarming statistics was that one out of every four adolescents reported they had seriously considered ending their own life within the past year. When separated by gender, nearly one of every three females said they considered killing themselves. The world of today's adolescents holds opportunities and advantages that were inconceivable for their parents and grandparents. Unfortunately, their world also holds greater risks and dangers. Violence appears to be a common part of the adolescent world.