Teen Smoking Down, But Other Risky Behaviors Take the Spotlight

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS

In 2015, cigarette use among U.S. high school students dropped to its lowest level in at least 24 years — to 11% — according to new CDC data. However, roughly a quarter of teens reported using electronic cigarettes.

Among the other findings from the agency's 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which included some 15,000 students in grades 9–12 nationwide:

• Among those who'd driven a vehicle in the past month, 42% reported texting or emailing while driving. The rate was highest among white teens (45%). By state, South Dakota had the highest rate (63%,), while Maryland had the lowest (26%).

• Some 17% of respondents had used prescription drugs (e.g., Oxycontin, Xanax) without a prescription at least once.

• Among sexually active teens (30%), just 57% had used condoms during their last sexual intercourse.

• Some 15% had been bullied electronically, 20% had been bullied at school, and 9% had attempted suicide in the past year.

• Overall, 5% had not eaten fruit, 7% had not eaten vegetables, and 14% had not been physically active for at least an hour during the past week.