About the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

CDC YRBS
The CDC YRBS survey monitors students' health risks and behaviors in several categories, including weight and diet, physical activity, injury and violence, tobacco use, alcohol, and other drug use, and sexual behaviors.  The YRBS is conducted every 2 years among a representative group of NY students in grades 9–12. The NYS Center for School Health conducts the YRBS in NYS on behalf of the NYS Education Department.
  • Data from individual students and schools is confidential. The CDC analyzes the data and provides aggregated results to each participating state. The NYS Department of Education receives funding from CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health to conduct the YRBS for NYS.
  • View current YRBS data, FAQs, and the YRBS Explorer, a user-friendly, visual tool that provides a quick way to obtain data.

Why is the YRBS Important for NYS Schools and Students?
The CDC YRBSS FAQ page provides information to help learn about the surveillance system and its use. (August 2020)

CDC Health and Academics-How the YRBS Provides Data to Improve Student Achievement-Why YRBS Data Matters to Schools
Data from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) show that students with higher grades are less likely than their peers with lower grades to participate in certain risk behaviors. This data can show the need for funding, training, prevention programs, and raise awareness of health issues.  To view data, infographics, and resources showing these links in detail click here (August 2019). 

CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data Summary & Trends Report
The CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021, provides an in-depth look at trends in sexual behavior, high-risk substance use, the experience of violence, mental health, and suicide. Risk behaviors co-occur, and many students experience multiple risks across these four priority areas that are closely linked to HIV and STD risk. 

CDC YRBSS: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
CDC Resource Page with overview of the survey,  research methods, analysis, questionaires, data tools, publications and other resources 

Video on the Value of the YRBS Data for Schools
This 2-minute video shares the value of the YRBS for you and your students. Celeste Jorge, an epidemiologist at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, introduces us to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the value of its data. She explains how the information collected from YRBS can be used to help students make healthy choices to become healthy adults. (June 2018). 

Page Updated 11/11/2023