Glossary


Youth Risk Behavior Survey

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which is part of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, is a national survey administered annually to a sample of high school students in 9th through 12th grades. It collects self-reported data on many measures of danger and risky behaviors including substance use, carrying weapons, lack of safety in schools, and suicidal thoughts and attempts among other things. Many, but not all, states and even some cities over-sample in order to create their own profiles. (Of course, high school dropouts and those who are absent on the survey day, excused or not, are not included!)