What Is the Youth risk behavior surveillance system?
The CDC YRBSS youth prevention training is built on one of the most powerful data tools we have: the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Conducted every two years by the CDC, this survey tracks teen health behaviors and helps shape prevention training nationwide.
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) is one of the most comprehensive tools for understanding the health behaviors of U.S. high school students. Conducted every two years by the CDC, YRBSS tracks trends in areas like substance use, mental health, violence, sexual health, and now—digital life, racism, and school discipline disparities. This data is critical for educators, parents, and prevention professionals who want to make an impact.
At Prevention Plus, we rely on YRBSS youth prevention training data to shape our curriculum. These insights ensure that our YRBSS youth prevention training stays evidence-based and relevant. We use this data to custom-tailor prevention trainings that resonate with today’s students. Our youth-friendly presentations blend statistics with relatable stories, humor, and actionable tips, ensuring students walk away informed and motivated to make healthier choices.
Why the YRBSS Matters for Schools and Communities
- National Reach: Covers students in grades 9–12 across the U.S. and U.S. territories.
- Trend Tracking: Monitors how teen behaviors change over time.
- Policy Impact: Helps schools, health departments, and nonprofits design targeted interventions.
Key Insights from the 2023 YRBSS
The latest YRBSS, administered via tablet, introduced new questions on:
- Social media use and online safety
- Experiences with racism in school
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) SAMHSA – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs):
https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/understanding-ac - Consent and sexual health
- Discipline disparities
- Transgender and cisgender student experiences
Data without action changes nothing. YRBSS helps us turn student health statistics into real prevention strategies that work.
How YRBSS Data Shapes Prevention Training
These insights help us at Prevention Plus adjust our curriculum in real time. For example:
- Vaping Prevention: We highlight new vaping usage rates and emerging product types. (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids – Vaping and Youth:
https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/what-we-do/youth-vaping - Mental Health: We connect statistics on anxiety and depression to coping strategies that work for teens. American Psychological Association (APA) – Teen Mental Health Statistics:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-child-teen-mental-health - Equity and Inclusion: We address how bias and discrimination affect decision-making and health outcomes. U.S. Department of Education – Equity in Education Data:
https://www.ed.gov/equity
Turning Data Into Action for Youth Health
At Prevention Plus, we utilize this data in the following ways:
- Curriculum Updates – Every time the CDC releases a new YRBSS report, we review the findings and integrate relevant statistics into our slide decks, videos, and handouts.
- Audience Customization – If we’re presenting in a high-vaping-rate region, we focus more on nicotine prevention. If bullying rates are high, we increase emphasis on resilience and peer support.
- Training Educators – We equip teachers, counselors, and administrators with the same data so they can reinforce the message long after our presentation.
The Bottom Line
Data without action changes nothing. By combining YRBSS findings with our 34+ years of youth speaking experience, Prevention Plus delivers evidence-based, relatable, and results-driven prevention programs that speak directly to what students are experiencing today.
To see how we can bring this approach to your school or organization, click here to connect with us.
