LESSON 3.12

Children’s Health in the U.S. – Part 1

Unhealthy Behaviors (2014)

8th, 10th and 12th grade students use of:

  • Tobacco
    • Rates continue to decline & have reached the lowest percent since 1980
    • Data are being collected on “e” cigarette us
  • Alcohol: Binge drinking continues to decline but –
    • 4% of 8th graders report binge drinking
    • 13% of 10th graders report binge drinking
    • 19% (almost 1 of every 5) 12th graders report binge drinking

Source: FIFCPS, 2015

Illicit Drugs

  • Use of illicit drugs continues with 8% of 8th graders, 19% of 10th graders and 24% (almost 1 out of 4) 12th graders reporting illicit drug use

Source: FIFCPS, 2015

Although the rates of unhealthy behaviors in children, such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption, have declined, there are still a substantial number of children who are reporting these behaviors. What is important to note is the ages and percent of children who are engaging in unhealthy activities. For example, while 4% is not a large percent of a population compared to 19%, one has to remember that the actual population that is reporting 4% of binge drinking are 8th graders.