By: Dale Wetzel

BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says a new survey shows North Dakota high school students are drinking less and using less tobacco.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is taken every two years. It is a voluntary survey about health behavior. It is given to high school and middle school students.

The results say fewer high school students are drinking and using tobacco. Fewer of them are being bullied, and almost all students are wearing seat belts when they ride in vehicles.

Baesler says an increased percentage of students had extended periods of feeling sad and hopeless. More have seriously considered suicide. And 13 percent of the students who responded to the survey said they had attempted suicide.

Baesler says the Department of Public Instruction is working closely with other agencies to address behavioral health concerns in schools.