Behaviours affecting current and future health—cannabis use
Initiation of cannabis use before age 18 is more likely to lead to persistent use, which is associated with a decline in IQ scores34 as well as an increase in the risk of injuries among adults.
Among the 23 countries in the GSHS and the 36 countries in the 2009 HBSC, the percentage of adolescents who have ever tried cannabis varies widely, from 1% to 2% in countries such as Benin, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Mongolia to as many as one in every three 15-year-olds in Canada and Switzerland. Unlike other substances, in many countries boys and girls show similar prevalence of ever using cannabis.
Prevalence of alcohol and cannabis use (HBSC)Trends. About half of the high income countries in Europe and the Americas that have trend data report declines among students in ever trying cannabis, but two countries, Latvia and Lithuania, report increases. Among those in the HBSC who have ever tried cannabis, there has been no change in the percentages who report using cannabis once or more in the past month.
Prevalence of alcohol and cannabis use (GSHS)
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
Adolescents on bad habits: it’s a quicker and easier way to satisfy my hunger. I like to eat.
female, 12-14, Peru
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 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
Give us real information about our rights and about sexual health. Also information about nutrition and healthy behaviours.
male, 15-17, Mexico
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
I love drinking and partying, I do it quite often. I also smoke quite often.
male, 18-19, France
I just wanted to test it out, then it became a habit.
female, 15-17, 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
Adolescents on what should be done to improve their health: Raising awareness about sexual identities and orientation.
trans, 12-14, Argentina
Adolescent on bad habits: To party and escape your daily troubles!
male, 15-17, France
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 haven’t learned about what I should and shouldn’t eat.
female, 18-19, Mexico
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
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
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: 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
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
I love sweets, and I haven’t found a balance between normal and excessive consumption.
female, 18-19. Venezuela
