Students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade take the survey. In smaller districts, where there are 150 students or less in a grade, the survey can be administered to students in 7th, 9th and 11th grades. To participate, schools need to have at least 15 students in a grade.

The survey takes about 50 minutes to complete and should be completed during a class period.

To participate, principals must agree to the following survey administration procedures:

• Administer the survey during the allocated administration time.
• Notify parents and students about the survey using the approved survey notification letter and methods. Schools must also verify that they followed the proper notification.
• Offer an alternative activity for those students that choose not to participate in the survey.

**Correctional facilities are not eligible to participate based on Human Research Review rules.

The survey covers a wide variety of topics, including:

• Abuse
• Attendance
• Activities and Clubs
• Alcohol
• Asthma
• Bullying/Harassment
• Children’s Hope Scale
• Community Connectedness
• Demographics (age, gender, ethnicity)
• Drug use and abuse
• Gambling
• Gangs
• Honesty
• Marijuana
• Mental Health (depression, anxiety, suicide)
• Nutrition
• Physical Activity
• Safety-Related Behaviors/Violence
• School Climate
• School Support
• Screen Time (including video games)
• Sexual Health
• Sexual Orientation
• Support from Friends, Family & Adults
• Texting and Driving
• Vaping/Electronic Cigarettes

Survey questions are primarily derived from 4 established surveys that have been used throughout the United States.

• Communities that Care: Social Development Research Group, University of Washington
• Monitoring the Future: Institute of Social Research, University of Michigan
• Youth Risk and Behavior Surveillance System: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Global Youth Tobacco Survey: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Data from the survey can help raise awareness of youth thoughts, feelings and behaviors and provide insight on current health trends and concerns.

The results can help schools make evidence-based decisions that lead not only to positive academic outcomes but also provides information that allows schools to identify conditions that impact student learning and the overall school climate.

The data can also be used by schools and communities to apply for grants, and inform programming and planning.