Kids in Snohomish County and throughout the state will answer questions about drug and alcohol use, exercise and health conditions this week.
The state is asking students in grades six, eight, 10 and 12 to complete the Healthy Youth Survey. The test is administered in schools every other year.
The survey measures health risk behaviors that contribute to morbidity, mortality and social problems among youth. Schools, communities and state and local health departments use survey results to plan programs to support youth.
The survey is voluntary and anonymous.
In 2006, 198,000 students participated, according to the state.
“Kids tend to be good reporters about their own behavior,” said Kevin Beck, who coordinates the survey for the state Department of Health. “I think it breaks down a little bit when you ask kids about their friends’ behavior or their family’s behavior, but they’re very good reporters of their own behavior.”
Participating schools are expected to administer the test at some point this week.
Survey topics include:
Background information, including age, gender, grade and race;
Feelings about school and community;
Relationships with parents, friends and neighbors;
Nutrition, eating habits and physical activity;
Health education;
Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs;
Safety-related habits and feelings about safety;
Violence-related behavior.
For more information, go to www.hys.wa.gov.
Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.
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