This report is a snapshot of students in the state of Texas grades 9-12.
The 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System revealed some startling facts regarding student safety in Texas.
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six types of health-risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults, including:
- Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
- Sexual behaviors related to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection
- Alcohol and other drug use
- Tobacco use
- Unhealthy dietary behaviors
- Inadequate physical activity
YRBSS also measures the prevalence of obesity and asthma and other priority health-related behaviors plus sexual identity and sex of sexual contacts. YRBSS includes a national school-based survey conducted by CDC and state, territorial, tribal, and local surveys conducted by state, territorial, and local education and health agencies and tribal governments.
The data from the 2017 YRBSS was analyzed in the 12 months preceding the survey from Texas students in grades 9-12.
We hope this data below sheds a light on the importance of being vigilant in reporting safety concerns. As a reminder, our district participates in the StayALERT School Safety Program. This program offers students and parents alike a place to voice their concerns anonymously if they so choose.
Survey Results:
- 8% of students did not go to school because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school
- 18.8% reported being bullied on school property, while
- 14.7% reported being bullied electronically
- 20.9% were in a physical fight
- 34.2% of students felt sad or hopeless
- 26.7% of students were offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property