Today the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the latest findings from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The YRBS biennial survey monitors risk behaviors and experiences that give to negative health outcomes among high school students across the country. Similar to the 2015 release, the report includes data describing the behaviors and experiences of sexual minority youth and the disparities they face, particularly as victims of violence and suicide risk.
About the 2017 YRBS data
The 2017 YRBS data focuses on outcomes for risk behaviors and experiences related to victimization for sexual minority youth in four priority areas:
- Violence victimization
- Sexual behavior–including the risk for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- High-risk substance use
- Mental health and suicide-related behaviors that give to real morbidity for adolescents
The report examines health disparities among students based on sex, race/ethnicity, and sexual identity/same-sex sexual contact. Previous YRBS data has demonstrated particularly large disparities for sexual minority youth.
GLSEN Research and Education Experts Available for Comment
GLSEN’s research and policy experts have long advocated for the collection of data on the experiences of sexual and gender minority youth with the CDC and other federal agencies. With the largest body of research on the experiences of LGBTQ youth in K-12 schools, GLSEN has demonstrated that implementing four school supports is instrumental in decreasing victimization and improving educational outcomes among LGBTQ youth.
Available for comment are GLSEN’s research and educational experts for more information on the new national surveillance data about youth health risk behaviors and experiences:
- Eliza Byard, Executive Director
- Emily Greytak, Director of Research
- Joseph Kosciw, Chief Research and Strategy Officer
- Ikaika Regidor, Director of Education and Youth Programs
- Becca Mui, Education Manager
About GLSEN
GLSEN works to create safe and inclusive schools for all. They envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools across the United States, and their network of 39 community-led chapters in 26 states brings GLSEN’s expertise to local communities.
GLSEN’s progress and impact have won support for inclusive schools at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to make sure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research, and educator training programs, please visit www.glsen.org.