WHY THIS MATTERS - WHAT’S THE DRIVING NEED?

Youth are growing up in a high-stress, high-disconnection environment—while many are not getting the movement, support, and safe community experiences that help them thrive. National CDC data from 2023 shows 39.7% of high school students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, 20.4% seriously considered suicide, and 9.5% attempted suicide. At the same time, only 25% met the daily youth physical activity guideline (60 minutes/day) in 2023. And outside of school, only 58.5% of teens report they always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need.

Learn more about the statistics below.

    • High levels of distress: In 2023, 39.7% of high school students reported persistent sadness/hopelessness, and 28.5% reported poor mental health.

    • Suicide risk indicators remain serious: 20.4% seriously considered suicide and 9.5% attempted suicide (2023).

    • A large share of youth are already navigating diagnosed conditions: In 2023, 20.3% of adolescents (12–17) had a current, diagnosed mental/behavioral health condition (anxiety, depression, or behavior/conduct problems).

    • Stress isn’t just “in their head”—it shows up in bodies and behaviors: when kids are overwhelmed, it’s harder to focus, regulate emotions, and stay connected.

    [CDC & MCHB]

  • Support gap: Only 58.5% of teens say they always or usually get the social and emotional support they need—meaning about 2 in 5 do not.

    Not everyone experiences support equally: CDC reports lower perceived support among LGBTQ+ teens and among Black and Hispanic teens compared with White teens.

    School connection matters: CDC notes that when young people feel connected at school, they are less likely to experience poor mental health and other risks—and more likely to engage in positive health behaviors.

    Bottom line: belonging isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a protective factor that shapes how kids cope, behave, and grow.

    [CDC]

  • Movement gap: Only 25% of high school students met the daily physical activity guideline in 2023.

    The digital environment is now a public health focus: The U.S. Surgeon General states we cannot conclude social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents.

    Social media is near-constant for many teens: CDC findings show 77% of high school students used social media at least several times a day (2023).

    Why this matters: less movement + more time in high-stimulation environments can make it harder for kids to regulate mood, attention, sleep, and stress.

    [CDC]

  • Bullying and safety concerns are common: CDC reports that about 1 in 5 high school students were bullied on school property, and more than 7% were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property (based on national YRBS data).

    Safety impacts attendance and learning: when students feel unsafe, they’re less able to focus, participate, and form healthy peer relationships.

    Supportive environments are protective: CDC emphasizes that increasing school connectedness can reduce risks and strengthen positive behaviors.

    What communities need: youth programs that build confidence, regulation, and belonging—especially in consistent, caring, structured spaces.

    [CDC]

    • Need is not evenly distributed: CDC data shows gaps in perceived support across demographic groups, including LGBTQ+ teens and racial/ethnic differences.

    • Access barriers are real: in 2023, 61.0% of adolescents with a diagnosed condition who needed treatment/counseling reported difficulty getting needed treatment.

    • What this means for cities/schools: prevention and protective experiences matter—programs that are accessible, culturally responsive, and community-based help reduce barriers and reach youth earlier.

    • Our stance: youth should not have to be in crisis to receive support, mentorship, movement, and belonging.

why kv33 swell is a unique fit to help solve these challenges

KV33 Swell meets today’s youth challenges with a practical, whole-child experience that builds strength from the inside out. We deliver beginner-friendly, mobile programs that combine surf-inspired movement (surfskate + balance board training) with social-emotional skill building, creative expression, and calming restorative practices—so kids strengthen coordination, confidence, emotional regulation, and real connection in a safe, encouraging environment. In a time when many youth face rising stress, disconnection, and low physical activity, we create consistent spaces where every child is supported, included, and able to progress at their own pace—whether we’re partnering with schools, cities, or community nonprofits.

Data sources (most recent national releases available as of Jan 2026):

CDC — Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), United States, 2023 (MMWR Surveillance Summaries).

CDC — YRBS Data Summary & Trends (Physical Activity, Sleep Behaviors, 2013–2023).

CDC — Frequent Social Media Use (YRBS 2023 analysis).

CDC — Youth Violence / School Violence indicators (YRBS-based summary).

HRSA/MCHB — National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2023 data brief (Adolescent mental/behavioral health + access).

HHS — U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Social Media & Youth Mental Health (2025).

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Last updated: January 2026 (national data release cycle).

DISCLAIMER:

KV33 Swell programs are educational and wellness-based and are not medical treatment, therapy, or a substitute for professional healthcare. We do not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Research on physical activity and coordination-based training suggests potential benefits for balance, cognitive skills, and well-being; individual results vary.