2016 Arizona Youth Survey State Results

2016 Arizona Youth Survey Results

Responses of Over 57,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade Students Across State Reveal Levels of Violence and Drug Use Among Arizona Youth

Phoenix, AZ, Tuesday, December 20, 2016 – Today, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) released the results of a statewide survey that included more than 57,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students from all 15 counties across Arizona. The AYS is the primary vehicle used in Arizona to collect data and provide one of the most in depth and comprehensive looks at youth risks and behaviors in Arizona.

“The 2016 AYS is a key data set for policymakers to review year-over-year and trending results of efforts to help Arizona youth make the most of their high school years,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “While 8th grade data points appear to be trending in a positive direction, we still have work to do to maintain positive decisions among Arizona youth as grade cohorts progress through 10th and 12th grades.”

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC), in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy and NORC at the University of Chicago, conducted the 2016 Arizona Youth Survey to assess health risk behavior and measure the prevalence of substance abuse—including alcohol, tobacco and other dangerous drugs—behavior among Arizona 8th, 10th and 12th graders. The survey also includes questions concerning other risky behavior such as bullying, violence and gambling.

“One of the primary goals of policing is to prevent crime and disorder,” said Chandler Police Chief Sean Duggan. “The Arizona Youth Survey Report helps us achieve that goal by providing critical information we can use to identify, predict and mitigate risk factors facing our youth.”