The Healthy Youth Survey Provides Important Information About Adolescents
The Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is a biennial, cross-sectional survey of 6th–12th graders that measures adolescent health and wellbeing in Washington state administered since 2002. HYS assesses risk behaviors such as:
- Substance use
- Behaviors that result in intentional and unintentional injuries
- Behaviors related to food and physical activity
- Mental health
- School climate
- Risk and protective factors
The survey provides important information about youth in Washington. State, local, and Tribal public health agencies, county prevention coordinators, community mobilization coalitions, community public health and safety networks, and others use this information to guide policy and programs that serve youth.
The HYS is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Health, the Health Care Authority's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, the Liquor and Cannabis Board, and a contractor, Looking Glass Analytics, Inc.
2023 Healthy Youth Survey
HYS 2023 results are now available on www.AskHYS.net. The 2023 results show us that prevention efforts and resilience-building strategies are working, but we must continue to push forward. You can read more about what youth are telling us about their wellbeing in our press release about 2023 Healthy Youth Survey results.
Firearm Safety Infographic
HYS Results show that Washington youth feel like they have easier access to handguns than in previous years. Learn more: Teens and Firearm Safety infographic (PDF)
Learn More
If your department or division would like to learn more about using the HYS, please contact us at healthy.youth@doh.wa.gov or visit www.AskHYS.net.