Rate of School Suspensions Related to Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drugs
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for lifelong mental health. Although rates of alcohol and drug use among Oklahoma teens are not higher than those in many other states, these behaviors may be responses to psychological distress brought on by trauma or chaotic school or home environments. Further, students who repeatedly get in trouble at schools are likely to interact with the criminal justice system before they reach 18.
Data Description
The rate of suspensions related to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs shows a similar trend in Tulsa and Oklahoma counties: In both regions, the highest rate of suspensions occurred in 2014, followed by a decrease from 2015 to 2017 and another increase in 2018. The same is generally true for Oklahoma statewide, with the exception that the highest rate of suspensions occurred in 2012 rather than 2014. Across all reported years, the Tulsa County rate of suspensions related to these substances has been higher than the rates for the comparison regions.
10 Year Plan Connection: Action Area 1 “Prioritize Children and Youth”
