Taking the YRBS Together: Why Student & Parent Surveys Matter
- Lindsay Boddy and Nicole Gregoire-Allis
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Watch this YAAB video about taking the YRBS!
Why It’s Important for Students to Take the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is an important tool that helps schools and communities better understand the experiences, behaviors, and needs of our young people. Conducted every two years, the Masco YRBS is modeled from surveys taken by youth State-wide such as the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and nation-wide such as the Department of Public Health. This anonymous survey gathers valuable information about student health and well-being.
Here’s why participation matters:
1. It Helps Identify Real Issues Facing Our Students
The survey asks about topics such as mental health, substance use, physical activity, nutrition, relationships, and safety. The results provide an honest picture of what students are experiencing so that schools and community organizations can respond effectively.
2. It Guides Programs and Resources
Data from the YRBS directly informs the programs, supports, and resources offered in our schools and community. For example, results can help shape health education, counseling services, wellness initiatives, and prevention programs that meet the real needs of our students.
3. It Strengthens Collaboration Between Schools and the Community
Local organizations, such as the Tri-Town Council, use YRBS data to partner with schools in developing youth programs, parent education workshops, and prevention efforts. These collaborations are guided by what students tell us they need most.
4. It Protects Student Privacy
The YRBS is completely anonymous and confidential!! No names or identifying information are collected. Results are reported only in group form, ensuring that individual students cannot be identified.
5. It Gives Students a Voice
The survey empowers students by allowing them to share their perspectives and experiences. Their input helps adults including educators, parents, and community leaders understand how to better support them in making healthy, informed choices.
6. It Informs Long-Term Change
YRBS data is used at the local, state, and national levels to track trends over time. This helps policymakers, educators, and public health leaders make data-driven decisions that improve youth health and well-being.
So...
By encouraging students to participate, parents help ensure that their voices are heard and that our schools and community have the information needed to support every child’s success—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Why It’s Just as Important for Parents to Participate in the Adult Perception Survey
While students share their perspectives through the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), it’s equally important for parents and caregivers to share theirs through the Adult Perception Survey. This survey helps our schools and community better understand adult attitudes, awareness, and perceptions related to youth health, risk behaviors, and community well-being.
Here’s why YOUR participation matters:
1. It Provides the Full Picture
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey tells us what students are experiencing but to truly understand our community, we also need to know what adults believe and observe. When we compare student data with adult perceptions, we can identify important gaps or strengths in understanding and communication between generations.
2. It Helps Shape Prevention and Education Efforts
Results from the Adult Perception Survey guide how schools, community organizations, and coalitions design prevention programs, parent education workshops, and communication strategies. Your input helps ensure that these efforts are relevant and meaningful to families in our community.
3. It Strengthens the Home–School–Community Partnership
Parents are key partners in promoting the health and well-being of young people. By participating, you help strengthen collaboration between schools, families, and organizations like the Tri-Town Council, all working toward the shared goal of supporting youth success.
4. It’s Anonymous and Confidential
Just like the student survey, the Adult Perception Survey is completely anonymous. Responses are grouped together for analysis, ensuring that no individual or household can be identified. Honest feedback helps us build accurate, trustworthy data.
5. It Shows Youth That Adults Care
When parents take the time to participate, it sends a powerful message: that adults in the community care about understanding and supporting young people. It models engagement, responsibility, and community connection, all values we want our children to learn.
The Bottom Line is...
When both students and parents participate in their respective surveys, we gain a well-rounded understanding of our community’s strengths and challenges. Your voice helps us create safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for every young person in the Tri-Town area.
