UI survey seeks data on youth health, social issues

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Center for Prevention Research and Development at the University of Illinois is encouraging middle and high schools throughout the state to participate in their 2024 Illinois Youth Survey.

The online report looks into health and social issues among eighth, 10th and 12th grade students, including drug use, violence, bullying, depression, school climate, and nutrition. These findings help schools improve the well-being of their students and their ability to learn. They also allow administrators to apply for grants and implement relevant programs that can help contribute to student success.

Illinois schools now allowed to carry inhalers for any student

Officials say the survey should last one class period. It is anonymous and available in both English and Spanish. There are also separate versions for eighth grade and high school students.

After four to six weeks, the free IYS reports will be sent to participating school principals.

Among other important results related to drug use, principal investigator and CPRD Director Doug Smith attributes the recent strides in preventing student opioid use to IYS data. He assures that youth are usually very honest about substance use in these surveys, and their privacy is very important to the IYS team.

Champaign Rotary Club fighting drug addiction in the community

Smith also clarified that the IYS is not a mental health screening, nor is the collected data used for profit or sold to third-parties.

The registration deadline is April 30. School administrators can do so online or by calling a IYS Coordinator at 888-333-5612.

For more information, visit the CPRD website, email cprd-iys@mx.uillinois.edu, or call the IYS team at 217-333-3231 or toll-free at 888-333-5612.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.