On this page: About the National Data | Methodology
About the National Data
Data
Baseline: 58.5 percent of sexual minority students in grades 9 through 12 reported that they experienced suicidal ideation in the past 12 months in 2017
Target: 52.1 percent
Numerator
Number of sexual minority (lesbian, gay, or bisexual) high-school students in grades 9 through 12 who reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide, made a plan, or attempted suicide during the past 12 months.
Denominator
Number of sexual minority (lesbian, gay, or bisexual) students in grades 9 through 12.
Target-setting method
Minimal statistical significance
Target-setting method details
Minimal statistical significance, assuming the same standard error for the target as for the baseline.
Target-setting method justification
Trend data were not available for this objective. The standard error was used to calculate a target based on minimal statistical significance, assuming the same standard error for the target as for the baseline. This method was used because it was a statistically significant improvement from the baseline.
Methodology
Methodology notes
YRBS has been asking about youth sexual identity since 1997. YRBS uses the term sexual minority to include those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or unsure; and those whose sexual behavior includes same-sex contacts. However, for statistical reporting, sexual identity and sexual behavior are reported separately. This objective only tracks lesbian, gay, and bisexual identity
.