NCJ Number
192700
Date Published
2000
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides a statistical portrait of teen participation in 10 of the most prevalent risk behaviors, with a focus on the overall participation in each behavior and in multiple risk-taking.
Abstract
The data and discussions are based on analyses of three recent national surveys: the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, the National Survey of Adolescent Males, and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The booklet presents the overall incidence and patterns of teen involvement in the following risk behaviors: regular alcohol use, regular tobacco use, other illegal drug use, weapon carrying, suicide attempts, regular binge drinking, marijuana use, fighting, suicidal thoughts, and risky sexual activity. The complex picture that emerges from this analysis alleviates some traditional concerns while raising new ones. Teens' overall involvement in risk-taking behavior has declined during the past decade( except among Hispanics), with fewer teens engaging in multiple risk behaviors; however, multiple-risk teens remain a significant group that is responsible for most adolescent risk-taking behavior. Almost all risk-takers, however, also engage in positive behaviors, as they participate in desirable family, school, and community activities. These positive connections offer untapped opportunities to help teens lead healthier lives. This booklet covers three aspects of risk behavior among teens: changes in risk-taking among high school students over the past decade; the incidence and patterns of multiple risk-taking among teens; and the extent and pattern of involvement of multiple risk-takers in school clubs, teen sports, religious services or youth groups, the workplace, and the health care system. 38 notes