Be Nice. Be Safe. Work Hard.
Q: What does the MC-YRBS ask?
A: The MC-YRBS focuses on health-related behaviors that result in the most deaths, health and social problems during both adolescence and adulthood. These include: 1) behaviors that result in injuries (including car crashes and violence); 2) substance use, including tobacco, vaping, alcohol and other drugs; 3) sexual behaviors that may result in infections and unintended pregnancies; and 4) physical activity. In addition, there are questions about mental health, adverse childhood experiences, social media and assets. Mental health and trauma can have a significant impact on school performance and health risk behaviors. Assets have the power to protect youth from engaging in risk behaviors.
Q. Why is the survey being done?
A: The results of the survey are used by the Monroe County Department of Public Health and school districts to measure health issues among youth and utilize the results to develop programs to help reduce risks and promote health enhancing behaviors.
Q: Doesn’t a survey like this actually encourage students to engage in these behaviors?
A: The factors that impact whether or not a student engages in health risk behaviors are complex. Youth are frequently exposed to messages about tobacco, alcohol, other drug use, violence, and sexuality through the media, parents, friends, and the broader community. Exposure to a small number of questions on any one topic is not likely to cause a change in behavior – either good or bad. If it were that easy, we could simply ask students about all the things we want them to do! The results of the survey can also be used to educate the students that most youth are not engaging in these behaviors. For example, according to the results from the 2021 MC YRBS, 85% of youth did not drink alcohol in the past month.
Q: Will student participation be anonymous?
A: Yes. Survey administration procedures have been designed to protect student privacy and allow for anonymous participation. Students will not put their names or other identifying information on the questionnaires.
Q: Does my child have to participate?
A: No. Participation in this survey is voluntary and your child’s grade in this class will not be affected, whether or not they answer the questions. Students also have the option of leaving a question blank that they are not comfortable answering.
Q: Do students answer the question truthfully?
A: Research indicates data of this nature may be gathered as reliably from adolescents as from adults. To obtain truthful answers, students must perceive the survey as important and know that procedures have been developed to protect their privacy and allow for anonymous participation.
Q: Can I review a copy of the survey?
A: Yes, A copy of the survey will be available in the main office for review. If you would like to schedule an appointment to review it, please call (585) 392-1000 ext. 3098.