The Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey (OHYES!) empowers high-impact change by uncovering student needs at the local level. This survey offers a deeper look into the experiences of youth in different communities and environments across Ohio. Using these insights, we can learn where Ohio students are thriving and build on what works. This data can also enable schools to track changes in student health and safety over time.

The public can view county, regional, and statewide level data. Superintendents and principals can request school and district-level data.

Survey Content

OHYES! measures the prevalence of the behaviors and experiences that pose a risk to youth wellness, and those that help to protect it. To do this effectively, many questions touch on sensitive issues, such as substance use, injuries, and social climate. Asking these questions directly is the only way to get clear insights into the lives of Ohio students. 

Questions were selected for the OHYES! primarily from well-established surveys used throughout the US — some for more than 25 years. These surveys have been field tested extensively, showing scientific evidence of reliability and validity. Learn more about how OHYES! questions were selected. 

OHYES! questions cover the following topics: 

• Demographics. 
• Alcohol & Tobacco/Vapor Products. 
• Marijuana.
• Prescription Misuse & Illicit Drugs.
• Bullying, Safety & School Climate.
• Physical Health & Well-being.
• Mental Health & Suicide.
• Gambling.
• Parental Attitudes of Substance Use.
• Community, Family & Peer Factors.
• School Success.

Two versions of the survey are available: a standard 110-item version(Attached as PDF below), or an optional 120-item version including 10 questions related to sex. Schools select which version of the survey they would like to use. Students may skip any question they do not feel comfortable answering and may exit the survey at any time.

Scheduling & Participation

We recruit schools for OHYES! enrollment and registration in the fall of every even-numbered year, but they can participate yearly if desired. All students in grades 7–12 are eligible to participate. However, superintendents and principals have the flexibility to select which classrooms and grades will be invited to take the survey. Schools also choose when the survey is administered as part of their OHYES! planning and preparation.

As with all our surveys, participation is anonymous and voluntary, and students or parents may choose to opt out at any time. Learn more about OHYES! parental consent and student confidentiality

Bring OHYES! to Your School

Are you excited about the positive impact OHYES! could have for students in your community? You can help us implement the survey at your local schools by being an advocate! 

Families, educators, and community organizations play a crucial role in expanding OHYES! participation to new counties and districts. People who share our passion for improving the lives of Ohio students often partner with us and their local schools to implement the survey. Learn more about how you can get involved. Plus, check out our Community Partner Toolkit and Parent and Community Handbook. 

OHYES! Partnerships

The OHYES! is a collaborative effort of the Ohio Departments of Education, Health, and Mental Health & Addiction Services, Ohio National Guard, and representatives from higher education, juvenile courts, foundations, and community service providers. The members below, including youth, provided valuable input into the development and administration of the survey. 

• Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Service.
• Ohio Children's Trust Fund.
• The Ohio State University.
• ADE Incorporated.
• Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio.
• University of Cincinnati.
• The University of Toledo.
• Drug Free Action Alliance.
• Licking County Juvenile-Probate Court.
• Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN) Youth Council.
• Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program Federation.
• Youth M.O.V.E. Ohio Youth Council.
• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
• Our Futures Coalition.