WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Jefferson County lawmakers learned more about a 2023 teenage students’ mental health survey at their meeting Tuesday night.

Members of the Alliance for Better Communities came to speak to the county Legislature about their findings, which show that rates of vaping and thoughts of suicide have gone down.

Of those students who answered, one in six considered suicide.

One in eight planned a suicide.

And one in 12 students attempted it. That attempt number was down from 2022′s report by 4.6%.

It also indicated that much more could be done to help teenagers, including limiting the use of social media.

District 14 Legislator Corey Grant says that as a mom she understands first hand some of the challenges kids may be facing

“It’s unfortunate that these children from seventh to 12th grade are feeling the way they are,” she said. “It’s scary, but if you have an open communication line with your children it’s very helpful.”

Those with the Alliance for Better Communities say that youth coalitions and access to mental health resources in the community have expanded in the last year and are trying to help local kids as best they can.

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