What to know
- The Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023 tells an important story about adolescent health and well-being.
- The report describes recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data and trends on adolescent behaviors and experiences in key areas.
Background
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report provides data on health behaviors and experiences of high school students in the United States. Data highlight students' behaviors and experiences in 2023, changes from 2021 to 2023, and 10-year trends. The report focuses on:
- Sexual behavior
- Substance use
- Experiences of violence
- Mental health
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Other important issues, like social media use
Key findings
- In 2023, female students and LGBTQ+ students experienced more violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their male and cisgender and heterosexual peers.
- From 2021 to 2023, there were early signs that adolescent mental health is getting better. There were also concerning increases in students' experiences of violence at school.
- From 2013 to 2023, 10-year trends were similar to what data showed in 2021. There were decreases in students' use of substances. There were increases in students' experiences of violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students' sexual activity decreased, but so did their protective sexual behaviors, like condom use.
What Works in Schools
Through the What Works in Schools program, CDC supports school districts to improve health education, connect young people to health services, and create safe and supportive school environments. These three strategies reduce students' sexual risk, substance use, and experiences of violence and improve their mental health.