2013
Charlotte Mecklenburg
Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Middle School
Trend Report
A collaborative report from
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and
Mecklenburg County Health Department
2013
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Charlotte Mecklenburg
Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Introduction
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), produced by the Centers for Disease
Control and conducted every two years, assesses health risk behaviors that
contribute to some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in youth.
The survey measures behaviors such as: unintentional injuries and violence;
tobacco, alcohol and other drug use; sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection,
other sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies; nutrition; and
physical activity.
In 2009 the YRBS was administered for the first time to middle school students
and included 33 public schools in Mecklenburg. While participation varies from
year to year, the survey has expanded. The 2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
was administered in 41 schools to 1,606 middle school students.
Characteristics of Students Participating in the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Middle School YRBS
Total Number of Student Surveyed 1,606*
Gender
783
817
Weighted
Percentage
50.2%
49.8%
500
347
42.9%
18.2%
Number
Male
Female
Race/Ethnicity
Black
Hispanic/Latino
White
433
30.7%
All other races
111
3.4%
Multiple races
158
4.8%
Grade
6th
567
34.1%
7th
494
33.5%
8th
531
32.0%
Ungraded or other grade
6
0.4%
Age Group
≤ 11 years
197
11.0%
12 years
490
31.4%
13 years
556
35.4%
≥14 years
360
22.2%
*Numbers may not total 1,606 due to missing data.
i
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Data Trends for Select Health Indicators
2013 Areas for Improvement
2013 Positive Trends
 Reports of ever riding in a car driven
by someone who had been drinking
alcohol declined from 27% in 2007 to
22% in 2013.
 The percent of students reporting
being bullied on school property
increased from 39% in 2009 to 46%
in 2013.
 The percentage of students who
reported smoking cigarettes
decreased from 7% in 2007 to 4% in
2013.
 1 in 5 students reported seriously
thinking about killing themselves.
 Over 57% of students reported being
physically active at least 60 minutes
per day on 5 or more of the past 7
days.
 About 38% of students reported
watching 3 or more hours of TV on
an average school day, down from
44% in 2007.
 Almost 30% of students reported
ever having had a drink of alcohol.
 About 13% of students ever used
marijuana.
 15% of students ever had sexual
intercourse.
 Nearly 38% of students reported
playing a video or computer game or
used a computer for something that
was not school work 3 or more hours
per day on an average school day.
This is an increase from 22% in 2007.
ii
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
MIDDLE SCHOOL Students
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --i
Trends in Selected Health Indicators-------------------------------------------- ---------- ii
Bullying-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Unintentional Injury and Violence--------------------------------------------------------- 2
Psychological Health----------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 3
Substance Abuse--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- 4
Physical Activity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Weight Management and Nutrition------------------- ----------------------------------- 6
Sexual Behavior------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- 7
Selected Health Conditions------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Developmental Assets--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
2011 New Questions---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Health Behaviors and Academics --------------------------------------------------------- 12
iii
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
Bullying on School Property
In 2009 the Centers for Disease Control
modified questions on bullying. Current
questions exclude the term harassment while
adding a definition for bullying. Due to these
changes in survey questions, caution should
be used in comparing 2007 data with other
years of information.

The percentage of preteens who reported
being bullied on school property
increased from 2007 to 2013 (26% and
46% respectively).

Being bullied or teased because of race
decreased from 27% in 2009 to 18% in
2013.

More than 60% of preteens reported that
harassment and bullying by other
students is a problem at their school.

18% of preteens reported being bullied
because someone thought they were gay,
lesbian or bisexual. This question was
first introduced in the 2011 CharlotteMecklenburg survey.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Figure 1. Bullying and Harassment
70%
2007
2009
60%
2011
2013
50%
45% 46%
39%
40%
30%
27%
26%
18% 19% 19%
20%
15%
24%
18%
10%
0%
Bullied on school
property
Bullying and Harassment
Electronically bullied Victim of teasing/name
calling because of race
or ethnicity
2007
Meck
26%
Ever been bullied on school property
2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck
39% 45% 46%
Have ever been the victim of teasing or name calling because
someone thought they were gay, lesbian, or bisexual
N/A
N/A
16%
18%
Have ever been electronically bullied, such as through email,
chat rooms, instant messaging, Web sites, or text messaging
N/A
18%
19%
19%
1
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Unintentional Injury and Violence



In comparison to data from 2007, the
percent of preteens who reported never
or rarely wearing a seat belt while riding
in car has declined. Rates have
remained stable at 8% for the past few
years.
Almost a quarter of preteens reported
having ridden in a car with someone
who had drunk alcohol.
Figure 2. Unintentional Injury and Violence
70%
2007
2009
60%
2011
2013
50%
40%
27.3% 28.4%
30%
24%
22%
20%
Nearly 30% of preteens reported
carrying a weapon such as a gun, knife
or club.
11.1%
7.9%
8%
10%
8%
0%

Never/Rarely wore a seat belt
The percent of preteens reporting not
going to school because they felt unsafe
at school or on their way to or from
school has increased from 4% in 2007 to
12% in 2013.
Rode in a car with someone who had
drunk alcohol
Unintentional Injury and Violence
2007
Meck
2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck
Never or rarely wore a seat belt when riding in a car driven
by someone else
11%
8%
8%
8%
Ever rode in a car driven by someone who had been drinking
alcohol
27%
28%
24%
22%
Ever carried a weapon such as a gun, knife, club
30%
31%
30%
28%
Someone stolen or deliberately damaged your property such
as your clothing, or books on school property in the past 12
months
32%
32%
31%
26%
7%
6%
N/A
5%
62%
60%
60%
56%
4%
10%
11%
12%
Had been threatned or injured by a weapon
Ever been in a physical fight
Did not go to school because they felt unsafe at school or on
their way to or from school
2
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Psychological Health

In 2011 almost 24% of preteens
considered attempting suicide, an
increase from 18% in 2007.
Figure 3.Psychological Health
70%
60%

The percentage of preteens who
reported having made a plan to attempt
suicide also increased from 12.7% in
2007 to approximately 17% in 2011.
2007
2009
2011
2013
50%
40%
30%


A question about suicide attempts was
added for the first time in 2011 in the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Middle School
YRBS.
20%
18%
20%
24%
23%
13%
14%
17%
15%
10%
0%
Considered attempting suicide
Approximately 11% of preteen reported
ever trying to kill themselves.
Made a plan how to attempt suicide
Psychological Health
2007 2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck Meck
Felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or
more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities
during the past 12 months
21%
23%
N/A
25%
Seriously thought about killing themselves
18%
20%
24%
23%
Made a plan about how they would kill themselves
13%
14%
17%
15%
Ever tried to kill themselves
N/A
N/A
11%
12%
3
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Substance Abuse



Reports of cigarette smoking decreased
from 7% in 2007 to about 4% in 2013.
Figure 4. Substance Abuse
70%
2007
2009
The percent of preteens having ever
used marijuana increased slightly from
11% in 2007 to 13% in 2013.
60%
2011
2013
10% of preteens were offered, sold or
given an illegal drug by someone on
school property.
40%
7%
6%
50%
30%
20%
11%
10%
5%
12%
12%
13%
4%
0%
Smoked cigarettes
Ever used marijuana
Substance Abuse
Smoked cigarettes on one or more days in the past 30 days
2007 2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck Meck
7%
6%
5%
4%
Ever had a drink of alcohol other than a few sips
29%
33%
31%
28%
Ever used marijuana
11%
12%
12%
13%
Sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or
inhaled any paints or sprays to get high one or more times
during their life
13%
12%
11%
10%
Offered, sold, or given an illegal drug by someone on school
property
12%
10%
11%
10%
4
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Physical Activity


The percentage of preteens who reported
being physically active for 60 minutes per
day on five out of seven days decreased
from about 57% in 2007 to almost 53% in
2011. However reports increased in 2013
(58%).
Nearly 40% of preteens reported playing
video or computer games for something
that was not school work three or more
hours per day on an average school day in
2013, an increase from 2007 (22%).
Figure 5.Physical Activity
70%
60%
57%
58%
51%
53%
2007
2009
2011
2013
50%
38%
40%
30%
22%
27%
31%
20%
10%
0%
Physically active for 60 minutes/day Played video or computer games for
five out of seven days
something that was not school work
three or more hours per day on an
average school day
Physical Activity
2007 2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck Meck
Physically active for a total of 60 minutes or more per day on
five or more of the past seven days
57%
51%
53%
58%
Played video or computer games or used a computer for
something that was not school work three or more hours per
day on an average school day
22%
27%
31%
38%
Watched three or more hours per day of TV on an average
school day
44%
45%
42%
38%
5
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Weight Management and Nutrition
The Middle School YRBS Questionnaire does
not collect height or weight data so BMI for
preteens cannot be calculated.
Figure 6. Weight Management and Nutrition
70%
60%


About 23% of preteens described
themselves as overweight.
Approximately 43% are trying to lose
weight.
46% of preteens reported eating breakfast
seven of the past seven days.
2009
2011
2013
50%
50%
43%
40% 43% 42% 43%
48%
46%
40%
30%

2007
21%
24% 23%
23%
20%
10%
0%
Described themselves as Trying to lose weight
overweight
Ate breakfast on seven
of the past seven days
Weight Management
2007 2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck Meck
Described themselves as slightly or very overweight
21%
24%
23%
23%
Are trying to lose weight
40%
43%
42%
43%
6
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Sexual Behavior

In 2011, 15% of all preteens reported ever
having sexual intercourse, down from 20%
in 2011. This question was introduced to
the Youth Risk Behavior Survey for
Charlotte-Mecklenburg preteens in 2011.
North Carolina data is not available for
comparison.
Figure 7.Sexual Behavior
2007
2009
79%
80%
2011
75%
2013
73%74%
70%
64% 68%
63% 61%
60%
50%
40%



6% of preteens reported having sex for the
first time before age 11 years.
Approximately 74% of preteens had ever
been taught in school about AIDS or HIV
infection. This was a decrease, down from
79% in 2007.
30%
20%
20%
15%
10%
0%
Ever had sexual
intercourse
Had ever been taught in
school about AIDS or HIV
infection
61% of preteens reported that their parents
or other adults talked with them about
what they expected them to do or not to do
when it comes to sex.
Parents or other adults in
their family talked with
them about what they
expect them to do or not to
do when it comes to sex
Sexual Behavior
Ever had sexual intercourse
2007 2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck Meck
N/A
N/A
20% 15%
Had ever been taught in school about AIDS or HIV infection
79%
75%
73%
74%
Parents or other adults in their family talked with them about
what they expect them to do or not to do when it comes to
sex
65%
68%
63%
61%
7
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Selected Health Conditions


In 2013 about 21% of preteens reported
ever being told that they have asthma. This
was an increase since 2007 when the
percentage was 17%.
The percentage of teens that saw a doctor
or nurse within the past 12 months for a
physical or check-up (without being sick)
has remained relatively stable between
2007 and 2011. This question was not
asked during the 2013 survey.
Figure 8. Selected Health Conditions
70%
60%
2007
2009
2011
2013
63%
60%
58%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
17%
18%
21%
21%
10%
0%
Ever been told you have asthma
Get 8 or more hours of sleep on an
average school night
Selected Health Conditions
2007 2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck Meck
Ever been told by a doctor or nurse that they had asthma
17%
18%
21%
21%
Last saw a doctor or nurse during the past 12 months for a
check-up or physical exam when they were not sick or
injured
56%
57%
57%
N/A
Last saw a dentist during the past 12 months for a check-up,
exam, teeth cleaning or other dental work
64%
61%
66%
N/A
8
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Developmental Assets
Figure 9.Developmental Assets: Parental/ Community Support
Developmental assets are the experiences and
opportunities that all young people need to
grow into healthy, responsible adults. Research
has shown that the more assets young people
have, the less likely they are to engage in highrisk behaviors.



The percentage of preteens who reported
being alone after school without a parent or
trusted adult three or more hours per day
on an average school day has remained
relatively stable (15 – 16%).
70%
60%
50%
65%
2007
2009
2011
2013
15%
15%
66%
64%
66%
40%
30%
20%
16%
15%
10%
60% of preteens report getting eight or
more hours of sleep on an average school
night.
0%
Are alone after school without a
Received grades of mostly A's and
parent or trusted adult three or more
B's in school
hours per day on an average school
day
66% of preteens describe their grades as
mostly A’s and B’s during the past year.
Developmental Assets
2007
Meck
2009 2011 2013
Meck Meck Meck
Are alone after school without a parent or trusted adult three
or more hours per day on an average school day
15%
15%
16%
15%
Agree/Strongly Agree that their parents or other adults in
the student's family have clear rules and standards for the
student's behavior
84%
85%
N/A
N/A
Agree or strongly agree that in their community they feel like
they matter to people
51%
53%
45%
N/A
Ate breakfast on seven of the past seven days
43%
50%
48%
46%
Get eight or more hours of sleep on an average school night
63%
60%
58%
60%
Describe their grades as mostly A's and B's during the past
year
65%
66%
64%
66%
Definitely/Probably will complete a post high school program
such as a vocational training program, military service,
community college, or 4-year college
82%
68%
73%
N/A
9
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
MIDDLE SCHOOL Students
New Questions for 2013 YRBS
10
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
New Questions for 2013 YRBS
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Middle Schools
Had sexual intercourse for the first time before age 11 years
6.3%
NOTES:
The above question was added to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School survey in 2013. This
question was added locally; North Carolina or United States data do not exist for comparison.
11
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE
TREND
REPORT
Health SCHOOL
Behaviors
and Academics
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
MIDDLE SCHOOL Students
Health Behaviors and Academics
12
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
Health Behaviors
and Academic
MIDDLE
SCHOOL TREND
REPORT
Figure 1.Physical Activity & Nutrition
64%
Physcially active for at least 60 min
per day on five or more days in the
past week
59%
50%
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
44%
26%
Watched 3 or more hours of TV per
day on an average school day
39%
45%
46%
Played video/computer games or
used a computer for something that
was not school work 3 or more
hours per day on an average
school day
28%
42%
44%
46%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Figure 2.Assets for Health Development
68%
Get 8 or more hours of sleep on an
average school night
61%
50%
47%
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
74%
Participate in some extracurricular
activities at school
60%
55%
41%
61%
Teachers really care about them
and give them a lot of
encouragement
59%
57%
36%
0%
20%
40%
13
60%
80%
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
Health
Behaviors
andREPORT
Academic
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
TREND
Figure 3. Unintentional Injury & Violence
5%
5%
Never/rarely wore a seat belt when
riding in a car
13%
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
23%
Rode in a car driven by someone
who had been drinking alcohol
18%
22%
29%
33%
Ever carried a weapon, such as a
gun, knife, or club
24%
26%
30%
48%
39%
58%
Ever been in a physical fight
69%
75%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Figure 4. Bullying
19%
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
22%
Ever been electronically bullied
16%
19%
49%
47%
Ever been bullied on school
property
43%
46%
0%
20%
40%
14
60%
MIDDLE
SCHOOL TREND
REPORT
Health Behaviors
and Academic
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
Figure 5.Psychological
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
18%
Felt so sad or hopeless almost
every day for 2+ weeks that they
stopped doing some usual
activities
26%
27%
43%
8%
12%
Ever tried to kill themselves
16%
19%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Figure 6.Substance Abuse
1%
3%
Smoked cigarettes
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
7%
17%
15%
Ever had a drink of alcohol other
than a few sips
29%
37%
57%
6%
12%
Ever used marijuana
18%
27%
0%
20%
40%
15
60%
2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg YRBS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TREND REPORT
Figure 7. Sexual Behavior
A's
B's
C's
D's/F's
6%
15%
Ever had sexual intercourse
24%
27%
59%
53%
Ever been taught about abstaining
from sexual activity
49%
50%
0%
20%
40%
16
60%
80%