Results from DPI's High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that school safety measures are improving and returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The survey found fewer students reported carrying weapons on school property, with that figure dropping from 3.1% in 2023 to 1.1% in 2025.
Physical fights became less common, declining from 22% to 16.4%, while fewer students reported missing school because they felt unsafe, down from 14.6% to 9.9%.
Kady-Ann Foster, a parent of two, said communication from schools helps ease concerns about student safety.
"I think if schools will continue to inform parents, even if it's just with a fire drill, anything like that, just letting people know what's going on. I think communication is key," Foster said.
The survey also highlighted ongoing mental health challenges among students. Nearly 30% of high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness.
For students such as Briany Gutierrez, who is preparing to start high school in the coming weeks, the transition brings a mix of emotions.
"I'm excited, but at the same time, like I'm nervous," Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said she is concerned about starting at a new school without her middle-school friends.
"My friends in eighth grade who I know are not going to my high school. They are going to South Garner. I won't know no one there, and I'm nervous because this is my first year," she said.
According to results from the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey presented to the State Board of Education on Wednesday, 29% of high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless, down from 39% two years ago.
Dr. Anthony Smith, a psychologist with the Alase Center for Enrichment in Durham, said the numbers show progress but also underscore the need for continued support.
"We would like to see those go down more. But with the right resources and continuing to be vigilant," Smith said.
He added that, "Students should feel comfortable coming to people who can provide them with help and assistance and moving through those negative feelings."
The survey found that 11.4% of students seriously considered suicide and 15% reported self-harm.
Smith encouraged parents to watch for signs that a child may be struggling.
"You want, as a parent, to be looking out for any negative impacts that where a student might be getting more quiet because they don't feel like they fit in. That's something that often students don't feel comfortable talking about with their parents because they feel like they should have it handled," he said.
Foster who kids are much younger, said she regularly checks in with her children during the school year.
"We kind of have this little philosophy, rosebud, the one. So, it's like, you know what went well today? What you didn't really like? What are you looking forward to? So, make it more specific and engaging," Foster said.
DPI officials said they are reviewing the findings and taking action through earlier prevention tools, coordinated student support services and stronger behavior systems.
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