Healthy Youth Survey Data

The Washington State Healthy Youth Survey is typically given every other year to students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade. It is optional and responses are anonymous. Questions cover topics such as exercise, diet, drug use, mental health, and safety.

Results provide insights into healthy and unhealthy behaviors or trends among young people. The information is used by school and health officials as well as parents and policymakers to focus resources and interventions.

2023 Healthy Youth Survey

The survey was most recently given to students in fall of 2023. Nearly 13,500 students around Snohomish County participated in the survey. Their responses show existing good habits to build upon, as well as some areas of concern.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • More questions were added that asked students about their recent substance use, including fentanyl use. Most students said that they do not use fentanyl.
  • Fewer students in 6th grade reported recent alcohol use. Reports of recent alcohol use are much lower across all grades compared to pre-COVID pandemic years.
  • More students in 10th and 12th grade said there are adults they can turn to when they feel sad or hopeless compared to previous years.
  • Fewer students said they seriously considered suicide compared to the past several survey years.

Concerns

  • New questions were added that asked students about worrisome eating behaviors and experiences with body shaming. Half of students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade said they were shamed by friends or family about their body.
  • At least 1 in every 10 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade said they were bullied in the last month because of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
  • Nearly 1 in every 5 students in 12th grade reported having been in a situation where they were pressured into unwanted physical intimacy, including kissing, touching, or having sex.
  • About 1 in every 10 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade said that they were recently in a vehicle that was driven by someone who had consumed alcohol.

More detailed information is available in the topical fact sheets below.

For more results and fact sheets, visit the Healthy Youth Survey website.

For previous local fact sheets, see our Healthy Youth Survey Fact Sheet archive.