Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Parents and legal guardians may choose to "opt out" their student and not have them complete this annual survey. If you do not want your child to participate, you are required to take action.

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) middle and high schools will take part in the 2026 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Youth Tobacco Survey (YRBS/YTS). The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is conducting the survey in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC designed the survey to learn about health-risk behaviors among students. Topics include safety behaviors such as helmet and seat belt use, depression and mental health, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, nutrition and physical activity, and sexual behavior.

Students will use an internet-connected device to complete the survey. It takes less than one class period, about 25-35 minutes.

The survey is designed to protect your child’s privacy. It is anonymous, and students will not put their names on the survey. No school or student will be named in any report of the results. Although your child may not benefit right away from taking part, the information collected will help guide state and local programs that support student health.

MDH would like all selected students to take part. However, the survey is voluntary and involves little or no risk to your child. Some students may find certain questions sensitive. If your child is not comfortable answering a question, they may skip it. Students may also stop taking the survey at any time without penalty. No action will be taken against the school, you, or your child if your child does not take part. A copy of the questionnaire is available for you to review at school and on the health department website listed below.

State and local school officials and a review board have approved the survey. If you or your child have questions about taking part, please call toll-free 1-800-840-8248, leave your name and phone number, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. For more information, please visit https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/ohpetup/Pages/YTRBS.aspx or www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth.

If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, please complete the form under Documents by (1) checking the box indicating "No," (2) signing and dating the form, and (3) returning it to the school by Wednesday, September 2, 2026. If you cannot print the opt out form, please contact your child's school to receive a paper form that you can complete and return.

Please see the second page of the form for more facts about the survey. If your child’s teacher or principal cannot answer your questions, please contact Jill Trott, Survey Manager, toll-free at 1-800-840-8248.