Overview and Methods for the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System — United States, 2025

Abstract

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) is the largest and most comprehensive source of data on adolescent health behaviors and experiences in the United States. Established in 1991, YRBSS includes a nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and separate site-level YRBSs conducted by states, tribal governments, territories, and local school districts. This overview report describes 2025 YRBSS survey methodology, including sampling, data collection, response rates, data processing, weighting, and analytic methods. The 2025 national survey response rates and student demographic characteristics are also included, along with the site-level participation map. During 2025, in addition to the national YRBS, 64 sites across the United States (including 40 states, one tribal government, one territory, and 22 local school districts) administered site-level YRBSs to high school students in their jurisdictions. YRBSS continues to capitalize on technological advances to make survey administration and data collection more efficient. The 2025 national YRBS was administered electronically using tablets for the second consecutive cycle. For the first time, approximately two thirds of participating sites also administered surveys electronically, representing a major milestone in the system's transition toward electronic data collection. The increase in the number of sites opting to conduct electronic data collection opens new pathways for data modernization at the local level, including reducing the amount of work required for survey administration and time for data processing, enabling real-time logic checks, and allowing sites to more easily tailor questionnaires to jurisdictional needs. Although low participation and declining response rates remain challenging, the flexibility, reach, and adaptability of YRBSS support its continued role as a primary source of data on adolescent health. Continued participation in and promotion of the YRBSS by state, local, community, and school- and youth-focused professional organizations are essential to sustaining YRBSS participation and surveillance capacity.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. MMWR Supplements, 2026 · DOI ↗