This overview describes survey methodology for the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, including sampling, data collection, response rates, weighting, and analyses.
High school students who experience racism (unfair treatment, discrimination, or bias in school due to their race or ethnicity) had higher prevalence of poor mental health, suicide risk, and substance use.
Transgender students and students questioning if they are transgender experience significant health disparities (e.g., bullying, suicide attempts, unstable housing) compared to cisgender students.
About 20% of students reported receiving unfair discipline at school in the prior year. Unfair discipline at school was associated with every health risk behavior and experience examined.
Key behaviors and experiences hold promise for influencing positive health trajectories and reducing mental health and suicide risk among high school students.
Some negative safety and violence experiences were associated with a higher prevalence of engagement in physical activity behaviors (e.g., playing on a sports team).
