URL: https://bwsmithconsulting.com/research/youth-voices-count-methodology/
Updated: 2026-11-09

Research

# Youth Voices Count Survey methodology

How the Youth Voices Count Survey is designed, given and reported, and the rules we follow when publishing combined findings across communities.

By [Lucas Smith](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/about/#lucas-smith), CFA, FRM Reviewed by [Bonnie W. Smith](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/about/#bonnie-smith), MPH, CPH, CPP Updated November 9, 2026

In short

The Youth Voices Count Survey is an online survey for students in grades 6 to 12 that takes about 20 minutes. It covers substance use, mental health, gambling, gaming, social media and connection to school and community. Results are reported for groups only, and combined findings across communities are published only with permission and never for groups small enough to identify anyone.

coverage
Participating communities, mostly in Connecticut

period
To be set for each published brief

sample
More than 90,000 youth surveys to date, 45 school districts

method
Online survey, grades 6 to 12, about 20 minutes

## How the survey is built

The survey was developed with input from youth and from professionals in prevention, survey development, evaluation, internet safety and school mental health, through document reviews and focus groups. It is updated as new issues come up for young people, such as vaping, online gaming and social media.

## How it is given

Students take the survey online, usually during a class period. It uses youth friendly language and takes most students about 20 minutes. A Spanish version is available. Districts notify families in advance and families can opt their child out.

## How results are reported

Each community receives results in organized tables that summarize key findings and trends, with a statistical significance package that highlights protective factors. We present results to coalitions, school boards and town leaders when asked.

## Rules for publishing combined findings

- Only combined results, never individual answers.
- No town or district named without its permission.
- No figures for groups too small to protect privacy.
- Every brief states the years, grades and number of communities it covers.

## Frequently asked questions

**Where did the survey come from?**

It is adapted from the ERASE Student Survey, which grew out of the Governor's Prevention Initiative for Youth Student Survey used across Connecticut in 2000, and it draws on the Connecticut School Health Survey and the CPES Young Adults Statewide Survey.

**Will you publish results for my town?**

Only with your permission. Briefs that combine communities do not name towns or districts unless they have agreed.

## Sources

- [Connecticut School Health Survey](https://portal.ct.gov/dph/health-information-systems--reporting/hisrhome/connecticut-school-health-survey), Connecticut Department of Public Health

Want local youth data for your community?

The Youth Voices Count Survey gives your town or district its own results for grades 6 to 12, with reports your board and coalition can use.

[Explore Youth Voices Count](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/youth-voices-count/)

## Related

- [News Adults think substances are easier for youth to get than youth say they are In one community, adults thought substances were far easier for youth to get than students reported. A free guide helps you plan your own adult survey. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/currentwork/adult-community-survey-guide/)
- [Grant program Drug Free Communities grant evaluation What the Drug Free Communities Support Program funds, the core measures and reporting it requires, and how an evaluator helps coalitions plan, collect and report. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/grants/drug-free-communities/)
- [Who we serve Evaluation and youth surveys for prevention coalitions Youth surveys, core measures, evaluation plans and grant support for prevention coalitions, including Drug Free Communities and SPF grantees. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/who-we-serve/prevention-coalitions/)
- [News How New Britain turned youth survey results into a public service announcement New Britain Youth Prevention used its Youth Voices Count Survey results on youth access to substances to create a short, data focused public service announcement. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/currentwork/new-britain-youth-survey-psa/)
- [Case study How Wethersfield Public Schools used survey data to win competitive grants How Wethersfield Public Schools used Youth Voices Count Survey results to show trends in student risk behavior and secure more than $500,000 in competitive grants. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/case-studies/wethersfield-public-schools/)
- [Connecticut Program evaluation and youth surveys in Hartford County Evaluation, needs assessments and youth and school climate surveys for towns, districts and agencies in Hartford County, from a team based in Wethersfield. Read](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/connecticut/hartford-county/)

Want local youth data for your community?

The Youth Voices Count Survey gives your town or district its own results for grades 6 to 12, with reports your board and coalition can use.

[Explore Youth Voices Count](https://bwsmithconsulting.com/youth-voices-count/)[Schedule a survey meeting](https://www.research.net/r/YVCSURVEYMEETING)