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Every two years, people across Washington eagerly await the results of the latest Healthy Youth Survey. For those of us working in prevention and public health, we often find ourselves holding our breath until we know if certain data points went up or down in the direction we hope. Some years, we find ourselves wondering whether we should celebrate or weep. This was one of those years.

The 2023 data looks fantastic in some ways. It tells the story of 10th grade past 30-day cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use either going down or remaining steady compared to previous years. Yet, at the same time, when we look at certain vulnerable populations like BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color) or LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning,... read more

In honor of National Alcohol Awareness Month, the Washington Healthy Youth Coalition is sharing results from the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) to help parents and caregivers understand the important role they play in preventing underage drinking. 

According to the 2023 HYS, 9 percent of 10th graders in Washington reported current alcohol use, defined as drinking within the past 30 days. Over the last 20 years, current alcohol use among Washington 10th graders has declined significantly from 33 percent! This wouldn’t have been possible without you – Washington parents and caregivers. Thank you for supporting and empowering your teens to make healthy choices, like choosing not to drink.

In Washington: 

The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) data was just released!

Every other year, middle and high school students at participating schools across Washington State voluntarily answer survey questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on a variety of health and safety topics. This includes school and community safety, anxiety and depression, substance use, food security, housing, and health behaviors.

HYS is a statewide, collaborative effort of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Washington Health Care Authority (HCA), and the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).

Results from the survey are located on the www.AskHYS.net website.  

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