At a glance
- YRBSS helps us understand many health-related topics affecting American youth, including mental health.
- These data provide the best picture of what is going on with adolescent health at all levels: national, state, and local.
- YRBSS can make a real difference for youth in your community.
Why we need YRBS
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) collects data from students in grades 9–12. The data reveal key health behaviors and experiences that contribute to leading causes of death and illness during adolescence and adulthood.
- Monitor changes over time.
- Identify emerging issues.
- Plan and evaluate programs to support the health of youth.
Keep Reading:
YRBSS Results
- Health departments
- Educators
- Lawmakers
- Doctors
- Community organizations
How YRBSS helps youth
Healthy students are better learners and more likely to become healthy adults. Use of YRBSS data helps improve youth health in the short term, with reducing screen time and receiving mental health support. Also, the data can ultimately help improve future health by reducing the risk of cancer, addiction, or sexually transmitted infections.
Keep Reading:
Data and Documentation
Why it's important
Districts, schools, and students are randomly selected and cannot be replaced. Each school's participation is critical to ensure that results are representative of youth nationwide.
YRBSS gives students an opportunity to share their voice, anonymously and voluntarily.
YRBSS Participation
Participation brings students' experiences to light so that parents, districts, and schools can provide the most appropriate resources for any challenges.