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. 6-24. 

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 child to participate in the survey, please call your school to excuse them.  

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.  This summer, the results from 2023 brought in a new $3 million school-based mental health grant to continue on-site services. 

Background 
The survey is run every other year. Youth in Washington State have been taking the HYS since 2002. The number of young people taking the survey has grown from only a few thousand to over 215,000 a year.

Communities, districts, schools, and public health agencies use survey results to inform policies and programs designed to support youth well-being.  

Get more information about the Healthy Youth Survey here: About - Healthy Youth Survey (askhys.net)