This fall, students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 across Washington state will take the Healthy Youth Survey. Students in Tacoma Public Schools will take the survey between Oct. 9-27 in most schools.

The survey is used to measure health risk behaviors that contribute to illness, death and social problems. These behaviors include alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other drug use. The survey results help track health behaviors over time and are used to identify important areas of need. Results also provide information that allows schools to identify conditions that impact student learning and the overall student culture and climate.  

This survey is anonymous and voluntary. It takes about 45 minutes. Students can skip questions or stop taking the survey at any time. If you do not want your student to participate in the survey, please call your school to excuse your student.

The results from the 2021 survey were used to benefit Tacoma’s students by helping to bring in over $6 million in mental health grants.

Background
The survey is run every other year. The 2021 survey was the 17th statewide survey of Washington students. Participation has been steadily increasing over time, with a drop in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. In 2021, over 200,000 students from all 39 counties participated in the survey.

Survey data can be used by schools and communities to apply for grants, and inform programming and planning.

Get more information about the Healthy Youth Survey.

Download the Parent and Student Information letter below to learn more.