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Teen Behavior Less Risky Today Than a Generation Ago

The 2007 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey compared data taken from a similar survey in 1991 and finds that many of today’s teens are making wiser lifestyle choices than those of a generation ago.  The biggest improvements were shown in black and white high school students and, although strides have been made in the Hispanic population, there are still concerns with risky behaviors in this population today.

The survey, which falls under the auspices of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), includes data on sexual activities, drug and alcohol use, mood and well being, driving safety, and diet.  Every two years, the CDC conducts the survey in which more than 14,000 high school students from 39 states and 22 urban school districts participate.

Some findings of note include:

• A drop from 82% in 1991 to 66% in 2007 in sexual activity reported by black high school students.
• A similar drop in white students from 50% to 44%.
• The drop in sexual activities in Hispanic teens was only 1%, from 53% to 52%
• Black students reporting four or more sex partners dropped from 43% to 28%
• White students with four or more sex partners dropped from 15% to 12%
• Hispanic high school students with four or more sex partners in both 1991 and 2007 was 17%
• More black and white students received HIV education in 2007 than in 1991 but the number of Hispanic students getting HIV education remained about the same
• Hispanic teens are currently the most likely to  use drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, or heroin
• Hispanic teens are more likely to ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking than their peers and they are more likely to drink at school.  They are also more likely to buy or sell drugs at school
• Hispanic students are at higher risk of suicide than their black or white counterparts, with 36% of the Hispanic students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness.  Hispanic girls report such feelings at a rate of 42%.  Hispanic teens are more likely to have a suicide plan and to attempt suicide than other high school students
• More Hispanic students report staying away from school due to fear for their safety than other students
• Hispanic students are also more likely to avoid eating for a day or longer in an effort to lose weight

On a more positive note, Hispanic students are using condoms and seat belts more often today than in 1991.  Today’s Hispanic student is also less likely to drink alcohol, use marijuana and methamphetamines, and smoke cigarettes.  They’re also more likely to refrain from riding in a car with a driver who’s been drinking than in the 1990s.

People of Hispanic descent comprise the largest minority group in the United States, with growth in population occurring faster than in all others.  Hispanic teens account for 17% of the population between the ages of 15 and 19 while 20% of all children under the age of 5 are Hispanic.

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