What is the Brookline Youth Risk Behavior Survey?
Brookline’s Public Schools surveyed 2,271 students in grades 6–12 during May 2023 using an expanded version of the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (MYRBS). Participation rates were 93% for middle school and 44% for high school. The survey was anonymous and voluntary.
Mental Health & Protective Factors
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28% of high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for at least two weeks over a year—especially among students identifying as female, LGBTQ+, AAPI, Black, or Multi-racial, and students in special education or with a 504 plan.
28% said their mental health was “poor” often or always in the last 30 days. Similar risk groups were more likely to report poor mental health. 17% of high schoolers reported self-injury (without suicidal intent), with the highest rates among LGBTQ+ students. 12% seriously considered suicide, and 7% made a suicide plan in the past year—both lower than past Brookline rates and state/national numbers. 37% had difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions due to physical, mental, or emotional issues. Substance Use |
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22% of high school students reported alcohol use in the past 30 days; 10% qualified as binge drinking.
13% used marijuana in the past 30 days; more than half of seniors reported lifetime use. <1% drove after drinking or using marijuana. 9% reported vaping in the past 30 days; 19% lifetime use of electronic vapor products. <1% used cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, or ecstasy in their lifetime. |
Safety, Violence & Sexual Behavior
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Middle school data (grades 6–8) didn’t include questions on sexual behavior.
Among high schoolers who had sexual intercourse, 13% used alcohol or drugs beforehand (representing 2% of all respondents). |
Why it matters
This data helps us collaborate to tailor wellness programs to real student needs like addressing mental health concerns among specific groups, developing substance use prevention strategies, including peer-resistance and parent communication, and strengthening school and family support to boost protective factors.
What you can do
Start conversations at home about emotional well‑being and mental health.
Ask about your child’s stress or use of substances, and offer guidance.
Encourage strong connections: discuss who they feel comfortable talking to at school or at home.
Ask about your child’s stress or use of substances, and offer guidance.
Encourage strong connections: discuss who they feel comfortable talking to at school or at home.