#8 Disconnected Youth
What?
Key issues visualized by region
Youth age 16 to 19-years-old not in school or working.
Disconnected youth can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: US Census Bureau. (2017-2021). American Community Survey, table B14005. [Data set]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
After six months or more, young people who are not attending school or working are more likely to suffer from depression than those who are engaged in these activities. They are also less likely to eventually earn a high school or college degree, which can limit their lifetime earnings and make them rely more on health and income support programs. This also links to a higher risk of early death from preventable conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
Disconnected youth often face many risks associated with living in poor areas. These include lower-quality education, poorer health, limited transportation, more unsupervised time, and higher rates of violence and trauma. They are also more likely to have a history of court involvement, a mental or physical disability, or having significant family responsibilities. Additionally, they are twice as likely to live apart from both parents, indicating traumatic childhood experiences.
These young people are more likely to live in institutional group settings, such as psychiatric or correctional facilities. Disconnected teens who are parenting are at higher risk for domestic violence, poor birth outcomes, and postpartum depression. Youth who use substances are at increased risk of being disconnected from school and work.
Those with less education or who are unemployed are more likely to use substances, especially if they experienced childhood poverty and low socioeconomic status. LGBTQ+ youth—who are more than twice as likely as their straight and cisgender peers to be victims of bullying—are also at increased risk of disconnection.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
