Free Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey
50+ Expert Crafted Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey Questions
Get ahead in promoting student health by measuring Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - your key to tracking vital teen behaviors from substance use to physical activity. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey, developed by the CDC, systematically captures data on adolescent risk behaviors to inform evidence-based interventions and policies. Load our free template preloaded with example questions now, or use our online form builder to create a custom survey that perfectly fits your needs.
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Top Secrets to Designing an Effective Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey
Launching a Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey matters from day one. It shines a light on behaviors that shape young lives, from screen time habits to dietary choices. Educators, health pros, and policymakers need solid data to make smart decisions. A well-designed survey can reveal hidden patterns around substance use, mental wellness, and bullying.
A smart approach starts with clear goals. Define what you want to learn - whether it's sleep routines or social connections. Ask focused questions like "How often do you feel safe at school?" or "What do you value most about your mental health?" Teens answer best when questions speak their language and respect their experience.
Imagine a high school that wants to curb vaping trends. They quickly launch a digital poll tool on campus tablets. In a week, participants share honest reasons behind experimentation and tips for quitting. That grassroots insight guides their next anti-vape campaign.
Leverage proven best practices from CDC research. The Methodology of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System highlights standardized sampling, question testing, and data processing steps. You'll mirror these to boost data quality. For deeper context, explore the 2013 YRBSS methodology report.
Before you launch, pilot your survey with a small group of 15 - 20 students. A quick dry run uncovers typos, logic errors, and tech hitches. You can refine skip logic and pacing before the big rollout. Running a brief poll also warms up participants and increases response rates.
Integrate your survey into broader youth initiatives using our Youth Risk Behavior Survey template. Plan staggered release dates and reminders to keep momentum high. Set realistic deadlines and assign clear roles on your team. With these Top Secrets in hand, you'll gather data that drives real change.
5 Must-Know Tips to Avoid Youth Risk Survey Pitfalls
One big mistake is asking unfocused or ambiguous questions. Teens may skip entire sections when they face vague prompts. A question like "Do you think your school environment is okay?" leaves too much room for interpretation. Test phrasing in advance to catch confusion and dropouts.
Skipping a pilot run can cost you vital insights. A quick trial with 10 - 20 volunteers unearths flow issues, logic gaps, and tech hiccups. Many teams launch full-scale surveys only to hit low completion rates and messy data. Running a pilot acts as your survey's safety net.
Small, non-representative samples skew your findings. Don't settle for convenience sampling alone - draft a plan that covers diverse backgrounds, regions, and age groups. The 2021 YRBSS report stresses randomized sampling to boost reliability. A solid sampling frame helps you share findings with confidence.
Watch out for leading or loaded questions. Phrases like "Don't you agree that peer pressure harms students?" push respondents toward certain answers. Instead, opt for neutral wording such as "How often have you felt pressure from friends to try new activities?" Neutral phrasing preserves honesty and enhances data integrity.
Another pitfall is ignoring mobile optimization. Over 70% of teens take surveys on smartphones, so keep your format clean and load times fast. Embed progress bars, clear labels, and short answer fields to maintain engagement. Citing recent evidence from the Wiley Online Library, mobile-friendly designs see up to 30% higher completion rates.
Finally, don't work in a vacuum - link up your survey with other tools like the Youth Mental Health Survey. Schedule regular check-ins to review draft questions and share feedback. With these 5 Must-Know Tips in hand, you'll avoid common pitfalls and collect reliable, actionable data that drives real impact.
Substance Use Questions
Substance use among adolescents can have long”term health impacts, and understanding these behaviors is essential for prevention and intervention efforts. This category examines patterns of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among adolescents, aligning with insights from the National Youth Tobacco Survey .
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During the past 30 days, on how many days did you smoke cigarettes?
This question gauges current cigarette use frequency, a primary indicator of youth smoking behavior. It helps identify patterns for targeted prevention programs.
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Have you ever tried e-cigarettes?
E-cigarette experimentation can lead to nicotine dependence in adolescents. Tracking this helps inform regulatory and educational strategies.
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How often do you consume alcohol in a typical month?
Measuring monthly alcohol consumption frequency identifies at”risk drinking behaviors. Early detection supports timely intervention efforts.
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In the past year, how many times have you used marijuana?
Frequency of marijuana use can affect cognitive and social development during adolescence. Monitoring helps tailor youth substance use programs.
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Have you ever used prescription medication without a doctor's prescription?
Nonmedical prescription drug use poses significant health risks and can lead to addiction. Identifying prevalence informs medical and educational outreach.
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During the past 30 days, how often did you use any form of tobacco products?
Assessing use of all tobacco products captures emerging trends like hookah or cigars. Comprehensive data are vital for effective public health responses.
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Have you been offered or sold illegal drugs on school property?
Exposure to drug offers on school property indicates accessibility and peer pressure factors. This insight guides school”based prevention initiatives.
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How many days in the past month did you binge drink (4/5+ drinks in a row)?
Binge drinking in youth is linked to injuries and academic problems. Understanding its frequency aids in creating safer campus environments.
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Have you ever driven a vehicle after consuming alcohol?
Driving after alcohol consumption is a leading cause of adolescent accidents. Awareness of this behavior underpins road safety campaigns.
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In your opinion, how easy is it to obtain alcohol or tobacco products in your community?
Perceived ease of access to substances predicts potential use and informs policy measures. It offers insights into community”level prevention challenges.
Mental Health Questions
Emotional and psychological well”being play a crucial role in adolescent development. These questions explore stress, depression, and coping strategies, drawing guidance from the Youth Mental Health Survey .
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In the past two weeks, how often have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?
This depression screening question identifies anhedonia, a core symptom of depression. Early detection supports timely mental health referrals.
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How frequently have you felt hopeless about the future in the last month?
Feelings of hopelessness can indicate severe emotional distress. Recognizing this early can prevent self”harm behaviors.
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During the past year, have you ever seriously considered attempting suicide?
Questions about suicidal ideation are critical for assessing risk and safety. Responses inform immediate intervention and support plans.
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How often do you feel anxious or worried to the point that it interferes with daily activities?
Chronic anxiety can impact academic and social functioning. Measuring its interference level guides appropriate coping strategies.
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Do you feel that you have adequate support from family or friends when you are stressed?
Perceived social support is a protective factor against mental health issues. Understanding support networks helps tailor peer and family interventions.
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In the past month, how often have you experienced uncontrollable anger?
Frequent anger can affect interpersonal relationships and academic performance. Identifying triggers supports emotional regulation programs.
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How often do you find it hard to concentrate on tasks at school or home?
Concentration difficulties may signal underlying emotional or attention disorders. Tracking this can lead to targeted learning support.
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Have you ever accessed mental health services such as counseling or therapy?
Service utilization questions reveal help”seeking behaviors and potential barriers. Data guide improvements in youth mental health access.
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How confident are you in your ability to handle personal problems?
Self”efficacy influences coping strategies and resilience. Assessing confidence aids in designing empowerment programs.
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How often have you practiced relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing) in the past month?
Use of relaxation strategies indicates proactive mental health management. Encouraging these techniques can reduce stress levels.
Physical Activity Questions
Regular physical activity supports healthy growth and reduces chronic disease risk among young people. This set of questions measures exercise habits and sedentary behaviors, inspired by the Youth Engagement Survey .
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On how many of the past seven days were you physically active for at least 60 minutes?
This guideline”based question assesses adherence to recommended activity levels. It helps identify students who may need additional support to meet guidelines.
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How many days per week do you engage in muscle-strengthening activities (e.g., push-ups, weightlifting)?
Muscle-strengthening activities are vital for bone and muscle health. Tracking frequency informs strength training programming.
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During a typical school day, how many hours do you spend sitting?
Sedentary behavior is linked to health risks regardless of activity levels. Understanding sitting time supports interventions to reduce inactivity.
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Do you participate in organized sports teams or fitness clubs?
Participation in organized activities can boost social skills and physical fitness. This data helps schools design inclusive sports programs.
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How often do you walk or bike to school?
Active commuting contributes to daily physical activity quotas. Measuring this informs safe route and infrastructure planning.
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In the past week, how many days did you do exercises to improve flexibility (e.g., stretching, yoga)?
Flexibility exercises support injury prevention and overall mobility. Tracking these routines guides comprehensive fitness initiatives.
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How motivated do you feel to engage in regular physical activity?
Motivation is key to sustained exercise behaviors. Assessing motivation helps tailor motivational strategies and support systems.
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Have you ever received instruction on physical fitness or sports skills from a coach or teacher?
Formal instruction enhances skill development and safe practices. This insight helps evaluate the effectiveness of physical education programs.
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How often do you use electronic devices (TV, computer, smartphone) for non-academic purposes after school?
Screen time can displace physical activity and affect health. Monitoring usage informs guidelines for balanced media consumption.
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Do you have access to safe recreational spaces (e.g., parks, gyms) near your home or school?
Access to facilities influences physical activity opportunities. Understanding availability informs community planning and resource allocation.
Nutrition and Diet Questions
Healthy eating habits are crucial for adolescent growth and development. This category examines dietary patterns and nutrition literacy with references from the Youth Health Survey .
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How many servings of fruits do you eat on an average day?
Fruit intake is linked to essential vitamin and fiber consumption. Tracking servings guides nutrition education efforts.
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On a typical day, how many servings of vegetables do you consume?
Vegetable consumption prevents nutrient deficiencies and supports overall health. Identifying intake levels informs school meal planning.
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How often do you drink sugar-sweetened beverages in a week?
Excess sugary drinks contribute to obesity and dental issues. Monitoring consumption aids in crafting reduction campaigns.
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Do you skip breakfast at least three times per week?
Skipping breakfast can negatively impact academic performance and energy levels. Understanding this behavior supports meal access programs.
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How many hours per day do you spend eating meals with family?
Family meals are associated with better dietary choices and communication. Measuring this helps promote family-based nutrition interventions.
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Have you ever received education on reading nutrition labels?
Nutrition literacy empowers healthy food choices and portion control. Data on label use inform educational resource development.
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How often do you eat fast food or take-out meals in a typical week?
Frequent fast food consumption can lead to excessive calorie and sodium intake. Tracking patterns supports healthier menu initiatives.
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Do you have any dietary restrictions or follow a special diet (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free)?
Dietary restrictions may affect nutrient intake and social experiences. Understanding restrictions informs tailored nutrition guidance.
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How confident are you in making healthy food choices when eating out?
Confidence reflects nutrition knowledge and decision-making skills. Assessing this helps design skill-building workshops.
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Do you drink water as your primary beverage during meals?
Water consumption over calorie-laden drinks promotes hydration and weight management. This question helps evaluate hydration habits.
Injury and Violence Questions
Injury and violence can have profound effects on youth safety and well”being. These questions assess experiences with bullying, accidents, and violence, based on standards from the Youth Violence Survey .
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In the past year, have you been bullied on school property?
School bullying affects mental health and academic performance. Identifying prevalence supports anti”bullying programs.
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How often have you been in a physical fight during the past 12 months?
Physical fights can lead to serious injuries and legal issues. Tracking frequency informs conflict resolution initiatives.
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Have you ever been injured seriously enough to require medical attention?
Serious injuries indicate risk”taking and safety gaps. Recording medical visits helps evaluate prevention programs.
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In the past month, have you witnessed violence in your neighborhood?
Exposure to community violence can impact stress levels and sense of security. Understanding these exposures informs community safety efforts.
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How often do you feel unsafe traveling to or from school?
Perceived safety influences attendance and well”being. Measuring this helps improve safe transportation policies.
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Have you ever carried a weapon (e.g., knife, gun) for protection?
Weapon carrying signals high”risk behavior and fear. Data inform school”based safety and counseling services.
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During school hours, have you seen fights or violence among students?
Witnessing school violence contributes to a hostile environment. Identifying the scope aids in intervention planning.
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Do you know someone who has been seriously injured due to violence?
Knowing victims can affect personal trauma and risk perception. This insight guides peer support and counseling efforts.
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Have you received training on violence prevention or conflict resolution?
Preventive training equips youth with peaceful strategies. Understanding training prevalence informs program expansion.
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In your community, how common is gang activity?
Gang presence increases the risk of criminal involvement and injury. Assessing its frequency supports targeted community interventions.
Sexual Health Questions
Understanding sexual behaviors and education levels is vital for adolescent health and safety. These questions explore knowledge, practices, and protections, reflecting elements of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey .
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Have you ever had sexual intercourse?
This foundational question establishes the onset of sexual activity. Monitoring initiation age informs education programs.
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At what age did you first have sexual intercourse?
Early sexual debut can increase health risks and emotional challenges. Tracking age helps tailor age”appropriate interventions.
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Do you currently use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual activity?
Condom use is critical for STI prevention and pregnancy protection. Understanding usage rates guides safe sex campaigns.
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Have you been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past year?
STI testing questions identify screening behaviors and awareness. Data support healthcare accessibility efforts.
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How often do you discuss sexual health topics with a trusted adult or counselor?
Open communication fosters safe decisions and informed behaviors. Measuring discussion frequency informs parental guidance programs.
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Do you feel you have enough information to make informed choices about sexual health?
Perceived knowledge impacts the ability to practice safe behaviors. This question highlights gaps in sexual health education.
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Have you ever experienced pressure from a partner to engage in sexual activities?
Pressure and coercion can lead to negative mental and physical health outcomes. Assessing prevalence informs consent education.
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Are you aware of where to access confidential sexual health services?
Service awareness is essential for youth rights and health. Identifying knowledge gaps guides resource promotion.
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How comfortable do you feel obtaining and using contraception?
Comfort levels affect contraceptive use and effectiveness. Understanding barriers guides youth”friendly service design.
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Have you attended any sexual health education classes in the past school year?
Formal education is a primary source of accurate information. Tracking attendance helps evaluate program reach and impact.
