Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

Measuring the Health of Vermont's Youth

Vermont collects student health survey responses every two years.

Since 1993, the Health Department and the Agency of Education have sponsored the Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). In addition, the YRBS is supported by many partners across the state who work to acheive positive outcomes for all youth in Vermont. The survey is part of a larger effort to help communities increase the resiliency of young people by reducing high-risk behaviors and promoting healthy behaviors.

The YRBS was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1990 to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disease, injury and social problems among youth. These behaviors, often established during childhood and early adolescence, include:

• Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
• Physical activity
• Nutrition
• Weight status
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol and other drug use
• Sexual behaviors