What can we actually change?
Focus on items with both a clear trend and a policy lever: screen-time norms, school-climate supports, gambling awareness, and underage substance access.
Audience
For policymakers
A path through the Explorer for legislators, county commissioners, and state agency staff who turn PAYS findings into policy, regulation, and appropriations.
Lead with the headline, then anchor in the local
Constituents and colleagues usually remember one number. Pair a statewide shift with a county or district example from the county reports.
Your path through the Explorer
1. Read the headline shifts
Six statewide changes most likely to show up in hearings, briefings, and budget requests.
Open2. Substance-use trends
Past-30-day use by grade, perceived risk, and access — mapped to enforcement and prevention levers.
Open3. Mental-health indicators
Sadness, suicidality, and help-seeking: the case for school-based and community supports.
Open4. New screen-time items
4+ hours of non-school screen time, phone access, and the policy options on the table.
Open5. Methodology and caveats
Sample, administration timing, and limits — the talking points you need before a floor or committee question.
Open6. Take the data with you
One-page briefs, slide-ready charts, and CSVs for staff and stakeholders.
OpenCommon policymaker questions
How do county numbers compare?
Use the county reports to show whether a statewide trend is better or worse locally — and where targeted investment could matter most.
What's new in 2025?
Gambling items were expanded and six screen-time questions were added, giving policymakers fresh angles on digital wellbeing and youth risk.