The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is an anonymous and voluntary survey that allows students to share their experiences to help parents, districts, and schools provide appropriate resources. It asks sensitive questions about topics such as attempted suicide, tobacco, alcohol, drug use, violence, sexual intercourse, and injection drug use, but students can leave questions blank if they are uncomfortable. Student names are not used or linked to the surveys.
The survey is anonymous. Teachers of selected classrooms will administer the survey. Students complete it by paper and pencil, and they are not asked to provide their names at any point.
Only about 1,500 students across the territory are selected through a process managed strictly by the CDC. Neither the Department of Health nor the schools chooses which students will participate. The survey is conducted only in the four public high schools so that we can obtain a clear and consistent picture of student health in the Virgin Islands. The results, which will be available in summer 2026, help create programs and support for all youth in our community.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) will be administered during November at the four public high schools in the Virgin Islands. It only takes one class period, is completed privately, and is completely anonymous.
Participation in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is voluntary. For the selected classrooms, each student will bring home a permission slip for parents. Parents give passive consent, meaning students may participate unless a parent returns the slip to opt their child out.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a collaboration between the Virgin Islands Department of Health, the Department of Education, UVI’s Caribbean Exploratory Research Center, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The YRBS is a voluntary and anonymous paper-and-pencil survey that asks high school students about health, safety, and behaviors that can impact their well-being. The results enable schools, families, and communities to develop more effective programs and resources for youth.
The YRBS will be administered from October 30th through November 13th at the four public high schools in the Virgin Islands.
Only the four public high schools are involved: St. Croix Educational Complex, St. Croix Central High School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, and Charlotte Amalie High School.
The survey is a collaboration between the Virgin Islands Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the University of the Virgin Islands, and the Department of Health. It is administered in selected classrooms by teachers.
Approximately 1,500 students across the territory are selected strictly by the CDC using a scientific sampling process. Neither the Department of Health nor the schools has any influence over which students are chosen.
Yes. Students do not put their names on the survey, and no identifying information is collected. Teachers and administrators will not know how any student responds.
The survey includes questions on topics such as mental health, safety, tobacco and alcohol use, drug use, violence, sexual behavior, and other health-related issues. Students may skip any question they do not wish to answer.
The YRBS takes about one class period (approximately 30 minutes) to complete.
No. Every student will take home a permission slip. Parents provide passive consent, meaning students are allowed to participate unless a parent returns the slip in writing to opt them out before the survey date.
Results are reported only in combined form, never by individual student or school. The data will help identify the health challenges facing youth in the Virgin Islands and inform the development of programs, services, and policies aimed at improving student well-being.
For more information, contact the Department of Health
