Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2017 | MMWR

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2017 | MMWR

• Fewer US high school students are having sex and using certain illicit drugs, according to the nearly 15,000 students who participated in the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
• Youth who engage in sexual risk behaviors [PDF-16.7MB] or high-risk substance use or who experience mental health problems, violence, or suicidal ideation, have a higher risk of illness, injury, and poor academic outcomes.
• Schools can help reduce youth’s risk by supporting safe environments and connectedness for all students, providing health education, building skills for healthy decision-making, and linking students to health services.