Behaviours affecting current and future health—alcohol use
Alcohol use contributes to risks during adolescence for injury, violence, unprotected sex and suicide attempts. In adulthood it plays a role in risk for noncommunicable diseases.
The percentage of younger adolescents who report recent alcohol use—that is, at least once in the past month—varies from nearly two-thirds of boys and girls in the Seychelles to only 1% of boys and girls in Myanmar. In most countries more boys than girls drank alcohol recently.
Trends. Most high income countries in Europe and the Americas report declines in weekly drinking among both older and younger teens. Among younger adolescents levels in many countries have dropped by more than half since 2001. However, a few countries report increases.
Prevalence of alcohol and cannabis use (HBSC)For older adolescents STEPS data are available from 13 countries. The rates vary widely. In general, where young men’s prevalence of alcohol use is high, so is young women’s, although consistently at a somewhat lower level. Rates are highest in Europe and North America.
Prevalence of alcohol and cannabis use (GSHS)
To be in good health not only means taking care of your body (through participating in sports, eating well, etc.) or just the absence of illness; it also equally involves feeling good in your own skin, being happy with your choices in life and doing what you love.
female, 15-17 Canada
Adolescents on definition of health: To have the ability to do things well, without any sort of discomfort or pain. To ensure a comfortable future, without any complications like diabetes or any sort of cardiac disease, etc., caused by what was done in the past.
female, 18-19, Mexico
Give us real information about our rights and about sexual health. Also information about nutrition and healthy behaviours.
male, 15-17, Mexico
When I became sexually active I never wore a condom, and I didn’t know how to use one.
male, 18-19. Mexico
That cigarettes, alcohol and drugs not be in style anymore.
female, 15-17, France
I think I am physically and mentally healthy, but I feel emotional pain as a result of many different things that have happened over time.
female, 18-19, Mexico
Adolescents on definition of health: To find myself comfortable with body, and to feel nothing that could make me feel bad about or within myself.
female, 18-19, Spain
I love sweets, and I haven’t found a balance between normal and excessive consumption.
female, 18-19. Venezuela
Sometimes it's just hard to pass up on something that tastes so good even if it is bad for your body. I have to remind myself that part of the reason it does taste so good is because of the added artificial flavouring or excess sugar content.
female, 18-19, United States of America
Adolescents on bad habits: it’s a quicker and easier way to satisfy my hunger. I like to eat.
female, 12-14, Peru
I haven’t learned about what I should and shouldn’t eat.
female, 18-19, Mexico
Adolescents on what should be done to improve their health: Raising awareness about sexual identities and orientation.
trans, 12-14, Argentina
Each individual has his or her own life philosophy. I have my own life philosophy: Enjoy the present moment and take each day at a time. Enjoy the moments of youth that are supposed to be the greatest of our existence. It is the age of excess.
male, 18-19, France
Physically I am in good health, but mentally only partially because several obstacles find their way along my path, affecting my mental health, and I have to overcome them.
female, 15-17, Canada
It’s basically a thing you do, in part because of the social aspect of these activities, in part, and this especially counts for the cigarettes, as a stress reliever.
male, 18-19, Denmark
I feel stress over sexual issues - no one wants to give me information, and I also get anxious because I feel that I am doing something wrong.
male, 15-17, Mexico
Adolescent on bad habits: To party and escape your daily troubles!
male, 15-17, France
I love drinking and partying, I do it quite often. I also smoke quite often.
male, 18-19, France
Adolescents on bad habits: Sometimes laziness and inactivity, I'm not doing sports, and excessive eating of sweets and harmful foods and soft drinks and fruit after midnight.
female, 15-17, Saudi Arabia
I just wanted to test it out, then it became a habit.
female, 15-17, France
