Youth Connectedness

Photo Credit: Chappy Achen

Students Who Report Adults in Red Wing Care About Them - By Age

Summary: Sadly, only one-quarter of 9th graders and one-third of 11th graders believe that adults in the community care about them. For fifth graders, that percentage is higher-just over half. Each grade level has either remained about the same or decreased since 2019. Knowing these numbers forces all of us to ask ourselves, how can we as a community do better?

Details: The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) is one of the longest-running youth surveys in the nation. It is a survey administered during the school day every three years. The survey is an anonymous statewide school-based survey conducted to gain insights into the world of students and their experiences. This particular statistic reflects how students answered the question: “How much do you feel adults in your community care about you?” Those who answered “Quite a bit” or “Very much” are recorded in this graph.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Student Survey (2016, 2019, 2022)

Students Who Report Adults in Red Wing Care About Them - By Gender

Summary: Since 2019, the percentage of female students who feel adults in Red Wing care about them has dropped 7%; for male students, that percentage has dropped 4%—both from an already low number. Studies show it's extremely beneficial for children and teens to have five adults in their lives, other than their parents, they believe care about their well-being.

Details: The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) is one of the longest-running youth surveys in the nation. It is a survey administered during the school day every three years. The survey is an anonymous statewide school-based survey conducted to gain insights into the world of students and their experiences. This particular statistic reflects—by gender—how students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11 answered the question: “How much do you feel adults in your community care about you?” Those who answered “Quite a bit” or “Very much” are recorded in this graph.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Student Survey (2016, 2019, 2022)