U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Today’s high school students are significantly less likely to engage in various risky health behaviors, such as sexual intercourse with multiple partners, than were high school students in the early 1990s, according to the 2007 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. However, the survey found no significant changes in the sexual behaviors of Hispanic students, who were also more likely than either white or black students to attempt suicide; use cocaine, heroin or Ecstasy; ride with a drunk driver; or fast for 24 hours to lose weight. Hispanic students were also more likely to skip school due to safety concerns, and to drink, use drugs or sell drugs on school property.
The 2007 report includes data for the nation, for 39 states, and for 22 large urban school districts. Free, 136 pages. (404) 639-3286, http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/pdf/yrbss07_mmwr.pdf.
