School Health Profiles Report

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The School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a system of surveys assessing school health policies and practices in states, large urban school districts, and territories. Profiles surveys are conducted biennially by education and health agencies among middle and high school principals and lead health education teachers. Profiles monitors the current status of

• School health education requirements and content,
• Physical education and physical activity,
• Practices related to bullying and sexual harassment,
• School health policies related to tobacco-use prevention and nutrition,
• School-based health services,
• Family engagement and community involvement, and
• School health coordination

Profiles provides data on the following areas:

• Sexual health education,
• Safe and supportive school environments,
• Sexual health services,
• Health services for students with chronic conditions,
• Supportive school nutrition environments, and
• Comprehensive school physical activity programs.

Findings from the 2018 School Health Profiles illustrate the current status of school health policies and practices carried out in U.S. schools across states and large urban school districts implementing school-based HIV and STD prevention strategies.

• Some community health problems received increased attention in schools during 2018. In response, more schools across states provided student health education on topics related to suicide and violence prevention in 2018 compared to 2008. However, HIV prevention topics are losing ground in school health education. Since 2008, the percentage of schools across states that taught HIV prevention topics fell from 93% to 87% in 2018.
• Schools provide referrals to students for health services more than they provide these services on school grounds (e.g., HIV testing, STD testing, provision of condoms). In 2018, just 2% of schools across states and 12% of schools across large urban school districts provided condoms for students, while 26% of schools across states and 31% of schools across large urban districts provided student referrals for condoms.
• More schools are putting policies and practices in place known to protect students from a variety of health risks, and help students feel connected to their school. Creating safe and supportive environments is particularly important for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) students (e.g., training for staff, presence of safe spaces, connecting youth with services). There are more schools across states with a gay-straight alliance (GSA), from 23% in 2008 to 40% in 2018.

These findings show progress in some school health policies and practices, but also suggest areas of improvement to better meet the needs of students.