American high school students today take significantly fewer health risks than did their counterparts in the early 1990s, although they do slightly worse in terms of obesity, asthma, exercise, and sunscreen use. That’s according to a new CDC report on youth risk behavior. Also: today’s teens are more likely to wear helmets and seat belts, and are less prone toward risky sex, suicide, drinking, and smoking. The share of 9th- to 12th-graders who have ever smoked cigarettes, for instance, has fallen from 70.1 percent in 1991 to 46.3 percent in 2009. The report also shows declines in violence and weapons use among teens since 1991. [%comments]
The Kids are Alright
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lol @Rachel
“although they do slightly worse in terms of obesity, asthma, exercise, and sunscreen use.”
What?! what could they do about asthma anyway, sounded like it was some weird individual choice. “– kids decided to take this risky asthmatic behaviour! shame on them”
now i agree they do like boring to me: obese, no exercises, afterall some degree of risk may be necessary to grow confident personalities and healthy adults.
The reason for this decline, I suspect, is because the kids are all sitting indoors playing video games, browsing facebook and the like instead of going outdoors for fresh air and exercise. And I’d argue that’s not a desirable thing over the long haul.
I agree with Chris Nguyen’s assessment.
Perpetually porting into Facebook, cell technology, and video game systems makes for a safer, but completely uninspired adolescence.
I’m happy about increased helmet and seat belt usage. I’m shocked there’s much call for sunblock (outdoor texting sessions?).
The safety may be a byproduct of tragically insular living- just like rampant youth depression. I don’t think the kids need sex and drugs, but a dose of community and activity might go a long way.
@ Chris
Or maybe those kids you are complaining about are reading articles just like you!
People are wearing helmets _and_ seat belts, eh? That’s encouraging. I never thought the driving helmet would catch on, but it’s a huge safety improvement.
Today’s kids take less risks than the kids of the early 90s, yes. But taking less risks doesn’t necessarily make them alright, does it?
Why do the good old days always have to be better than the future? You’re just *looking* to complain about today’s youth now.