2017 YRBS: Drug and Sexual Behavior Trends Among US High School Students

When national headlines from the CDC Newsroom announce a general decline in drug use and sexual activity among high schoolers, it is easy for families in Chicago to breathe a collective sigh of relief. But for those of us navigating the reality of the Windy City—from the bustling corridors of the Loop to the residential stretches of neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Logan Square—national averages rarely tell the whole story. While the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) suggests a promising trend, the data also warns us about a specific, more vulnerable subset of students who are reporting multiple health risks. In a city as diverse and sprawling as Chicago, these “clusters” of risk often hide in plain sight, masked by the broader downward trend.

Understanding the YRBS Framework in an Urban Context

To really wrap our heads around these findings, we have to appear at how the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) actually operates. This isn’t just a random poll; it is a sophisticated monitoring system designed to track six priority categories. These include behaviors contributing to unintentional injuries and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors related to unintended pregnancy and STIs (including HIV), unhealthy dietary behaviors and physical inactivity. For Chicago parents and educators, these categories aren’t just data points—they are the daily challenges faced by students attending schools across the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system.

The 2017 survey sampling frame was comprehensive, covering regular public schools, including charter schools, as well as Catholic and other non-public schools. This is a critical detail for a city like Chicago, where the intersection of public, charter, and private education creates a complex web of student experiences. When the CDC reports that fewer students are engaging in risk behaviors, it is a win for public health. However, the “room for concern” mentioned in the report refers to the disparities that persist among demographic subgroups defined by sex, race, ethnicity, and grade level. In a metropolitan area with significant socio-economic divides, these disparities can manifest as “health deserts” where certain youth populations remain at a much higher risk than the national average suggests.

The Hidden Danger of “Risk Clustering”

One of the most sobering aspects of the YRBS data is the concept of risk clustering. While the overall percentage of students using drugs may be dropping, there is a core group of young people who aren’t just dealing with one issue, but several. A student might be struggling with physical inactivity while also reporting alcohol use and unhealthy dietary habits. This compounding effect makes intervention much more difficult. For instance, a student in a high-density area of Chicago might have limited access to safe parks for physical activity, which can correlate with other behavioral health risks.

We also see concerning trends regarding unintentional injuries. The 2017 data highlighted a specific danger: texting while driving. Among high school students who drove a car or other vehicle during the 30 days before the survey, 39.2% admitted to texting or emailing. In a city known for its congested traffic and aggressive driving patterns, this specific behavior represents a significant public safety threat. It underscores the fact that while some “old” risks like certain drug uses might be declining, modern, technology-driven risks are emerging in their place.

Bridging the Gap Between Data and Local Action

The goal of the YRBSS is to provide population-based data that helps monitor the effectiveness of public health interventions. But data is only as great as the action it inspires. To move the needle in Chicago, we need to move beyond the macro-level statistics and focus on the micro-level implementation of support systems. This means ensuring that the community health resources available to students are integrated directly into their daily environments, whether that is through school-based clinics or neighborhood youth centers.

When we look at the “leading causes of morbidity and mortality among youth,” we are talking about things that are often preventable. By leveraging the data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, local administrators can identify which of the six priority health behaviors are most prevalent in specific zip codes and allocate funding accordingly. This targeted approach is the only way to address the disparities mentioned in the surveillance summaries.

Navigating Local Support in Chicago

Given my background in analyzing public health trends and community impact, I realize that seeing a national report can perceive overwhelming if you don’t know where to turn locally. If these trends regarding youth risk behaviors are impacting your family or students in the Chicago area, you shouldn’t try to navigate the system alone. Depending on the specific risk—be it substance use, behavioral health, or nutritional deficits—you will need different types of professional guidance.

Here are the three types of local professionals you should look for to address these concerns:

Adolescent Behavioral Health Specialists

Look for practitioners who specialize specifically in “dual diagnosis” for teens. You seek providers who can treat both the behavioral risk (like substance use) and the underlying mental health trigger (like anxiety or depression) simultaneously, rather than treating them as separate issues. Ensure they have a track record of working with the specific age demographics mentioned in the YRBS (9th through 12th grade).

School-Based Health Coordinators

These are the bridge between the home and the classroom. When seeking a coordinator, look for those who have experience implementing CDC-aligned wellness programs. They should be able to provide a comprehensive plan that addresses multiple risk factors—such as combining physical activity initiatives with nutritional education—to combat the “clustering” effect.

Pediatric Preventative Care Providers

Beyond a general pediatrician, look for providers who prioritize “preventative screenings” for the specific categories listed by the YRBSS. This includes providers who proactively screen for tobacco and nicotine use, as well as those who provide comprehensive guidance on sexual health and STI prevention tailored to the adolescent developmental stage.

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