Family & Community Students & Families Student Support, Career & Education
Nutrition, Health and Safety

2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results

August 9, 2004

Dear Colleagues, Parents, and Students:

We are pleased to present the results of the 2003 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (MYRBS) . The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) conducted this anonymous and voluntary survey between February and June 2003 in 50 randomly selected high schools across the Commonwealth. The MYRBS provides important information about behaviors that may compromise the health, safety, and wellbeing of adolescents. These behaviors include tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use; behaviors leading to injuries, such as drinking and driving, fighting, weapon-carrying, and suicide attempts; dietary behaviors and physical inactivity; and sexual behaviors that may result in sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV infection) and pregnancy. Because of high student and school participation rates in the 2003 MYRBS, the results of the survey give an accurate estimate of the prevalence of these risk behaviors among high school students in Massachusetts.

The results reported here show successes in a number of important areas. Compared to previous years, students in 2003 reported lower rates of cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol use (including binge drinking), ecstasy use, methamphetamine use, weapon-carrying, physical fighting, suicidal thinking, drinking and driving, and substance use and violence on school property. In addition, positive trends were observed in seat belt and bicycle helmet use, and in many sexual risk behaviors.

The results reported here attest to the success of comprehensive school health programs and other efforts on the part of schools, families, and communities to prevent and reduce adolescent risk behaviors. For nearly a decade, school districts in Massachusetts received funds to support health education programs, and the MYRBS results show significant improvements in nearly all risk categories during that time. Despite the recent loss of these funds, ESE remains committed to comprehensive and coordinated school health programs, and to improving the health and safety of all students.

Thank you for your own continued commitment to improving the lives and health of youth in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education