WV Teen Health

Youth & Teen Health Key Data

Understanding the challenges young people face helps families, schools and communities better support them. From relationships and sexual health to mental health, vaping and connection, current data provide an important look at the health and well-being of today’s teens.

Teen Births & Pregnancy Trends in West Virginia

Teen birth rates in West Virginia have declined significantly over the past several decades, reflecting important progress in prevention, education and youth health.

17.8 births per 1,000 females ages 15–19 — West Virginia’s teen birth rate in 2024.
The rate declined from 18.5 per 1,000 in 2023 to 17.8 in 2024, continuing a long-term downward trend.
While teen births have declined, West Virginia’s teen birth rate remains higher than the national rate.
Teenage birth is linked with a higher risk of adverse infant outcomes. For example, infants born to teen mothers in WV are more likely to be low birthweight or have other complications, adjusting for socioeconomic and health factors.

Teen pregnancy and parenting can create additional challenges for young people, including barriers to completing education, financial stability and accessing health care and other supports. Continued prevention education and support for young people can help build on the progress already being made.

Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 2024

Sexual Health & Healthy Decision-Making

National data help provide context for the behaviors and decisions high school students are navigating.

Among U.S. high school students (2023):

21% reported being currently sexually active, meaning they had sexual intercourse during the previous three months.
Among students who were sexually active, 52% used a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse.
Approximately 33% used an effective hormonal birth control method the last time they had sex with an opposite-sex partner.
About 80% of students who had ever had sexual contact reported verbally asking for consent at their most recent sexual contact.

There is encouraging news: sexual activity among high school students has declined over time. However, CDC data also show declines in some protective behaviors, including condom use.

These trends reinforce the importance of giving young people accurate information and helping them build skills related to healthy relationships, communication, consent and responsible decision-making.

Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023

Mental Health

Mental and emotional well-being are an important part of overall teen health.

Nationally, 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023.

While that number improved slightly from 42% in 2021, it still represents 4 out of every 10 high school students.

CDC data also show that some groups of young people experience disproportionately high levels of poor mental health, suicidal thoughts and other challenges.

Healthy relationships with parents, caregivers, educators, peers and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping young people feel supported and connected.

Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023

Connection Matters

Risk statistics tell only part of the story. Research also helps us understand what can protect young people.

In 2023, 55% of U.S. high school students said they felt close to people at their school, a measure CDC describes as school connectedness.

School connectedness matters. Young people who feel connected at school are less likely to experience poor mental health, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, substance use, violence and sexual risk behaviors.

Connection can happen in many places. Parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, mentors and other trusted adults can all help create environments where young people feel heard, valued and supported.

Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023

Teaching young people what healthy relationships look like also means helping them recognize unhealthy or unsafe behaviors.

Among U.S. high school students in 2023:

11% experienced sexual violence by anyone during the previous year.
9% reported having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to.
Approximately 80% of students who had ever had sexual contact reported verbally asking for consent at their most recent sexual contact.

Healthy relationship education can help young people understand boundaries, recognize warning signs, communicate clearly, respect consent and know when and how to seek help.

Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023

Why Prevention Matters

The data show both progress and continued challenges.

Teen birth rates have fallen significantly. Fewer high school students are sexually active than in previous generations. At the same time, many young people are navigating mental health concerns, vaping and nicotine use, unhealthy relationships, sexual violence and other challenges.

Prevention is about more than avoiding negative outcomes. It is about equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, relationships and support they need to make healthy decisions and build healthy futures.

Accurate information, healthy relationship skills, strong communication and meaningful connections with trusted adults can all make a difference.

Data Sources

Statistics on this page come from:

CDC National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System — 2024 birth data
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) — 2023
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023
West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention
West Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Statistics labeled “West Virginia” represent state-level data. Statistics labeled “U.S.” or “national” represent nationally collected data and are included to provide additional context when appropriate.

Last updated: October 2026