The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
Shedding light on student behaviors. Helping to keep our schools safe.
The YRBS is a key part of student outreach.
This anonymous survey is taken every two years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It helps our schools track students’ physical, emotional, and physiological health, collecting data in key behavioral areas including:
- Unintentional injuries and violence
- Tobacco and e-cigarette (vape) use
- Alcohol and other drug use
- Sexual and dietary behaviors
- Physical activity
Thanks to the results of the YRBS, we’re better equipped to identify progress and shortcomings, determine proper allocation of resources, and make a difference in students’ lives.
Have questions?The YRBS shows us statistics like:
Tobacco Use
Mental Health
Physical Activity
How does the YRBS help students?
This data directly serves schools and state agencies — but behind it all is a mission to reduce risky behavior and give students a better foundation for a safe, bright, and healthy future.
Supports a safer learning environment.
Prevents injury, violence, and risky behavior.
Reaches students who are struggling.
Sets students up for future success.
How does the YRBS help school admins and teachers?
The YRBS is a powerful tool for guiding public health as well as each individual school’s efforts, ensuring that we provide the necessary resources to prevent behaviors that put students at risk.
Spots trends and emerging issues.
Tracks progress of existing outreach.
Identifies disparities among different demographics.
Influences state and community agencies on new and existing programs and policies.
Helps determine where state resources should be allocated.
Assists in requesting grant funding.
Contributes to a scientific understanding of adolescent health factors.
Alerts schools when critical intervention is needed.
Take Action
How can schools get involved?
If your school is not already participating in the YRBS, it should. Without school participation in the survey, Delaware is at a significant disadvantage for public health planning and surveillance.
If your school is among those selected to participate, please do so. You’ll help to ensure continued prevention funding as well as ongoing progress in addressing negative behaviors and their consequences. It’s all with the goal of ensuring brighter, healthier futures for our children.
Learn more about the YRBS:
Delaware Division of Public Health
Additional information about the YRBS, especially as it pertains to the state of Delaware, provided by Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The comprehensive informational destination for all things YRBS, provided by the CDC — the agency that administers the YRBS.
Contact Us.
Have questions? Reach out using the form below, and the Division of Public Health will get back to you as soon as we can.