There are only two repeated nationally-representative surveys which give all the information in existence about youth risk behavior; YRBSS and the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future (MTF).
Students complete the survey using a computer-readable questionnaire booklet designed for anonymity, requiring about one class period, or roughly 45 minutes, to finish.
[4] In 2019, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBSS) sampling framework included all standard public, charter, parochial, and select nonpublic schools with students in grades 9–12 across the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Students from minority groups, for instance, face elevated risks related to mental health issues, substance use, and experiencing or witnessing violence compared to their peers.
Additionally, students with disabilities or those with lower socioeconomic backgrounds often report higher instances of bullying, reduced access to health resources, and increased substance use.
For instance, Black and Hispanic students report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and involvement in violence compared to their white peers.
[6] Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are also at a disadvantage, reporting higher rates of substance use, mental health problems, and exposure to violence.
[7] The YRBS data reveal that students from lower-income families are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance use, as a coping mechanism for their challenging environments.
This increased vulnerability often correlates with mental health struggles, such as depression and anxiety, leading to detrimental effects on their academic performance and overall well-being.
[10] A study published in JAMA Network Open found that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience severe mental health crises and report feelings of hopelessness, with 40% seriously considering suicide.