Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) in 1990 to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability and social problems among youth and adults in the United States.

The YRBSS assesses whether health behaviors increase, decrease or remain static. By comparing national, state and local data and it provides information about trends in youth behavior.

The surveys are conducted every two years on representative samples of 9th through 12th grade students.

Amonst other areas the studies look at:
 * tobacco use
 * unhealthy dietary behaviors
 * inadequate physical activity
 * alcohol and other drug use
 * sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
 * behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence