“This year’s YRBS report shows that fewer high school students are engaging in some important health risk behaviors. But, there is still cause for concern when it comes to other risk behaviors, like not using condoms, excessive computer use, and texting or e-mailing while driving. We must all work together using interventions based on the best science available to reduce health risk behaviors among high school students.”
“Adolescence is a developmentally appropriate stage for risk taking. This makes it an ideal time for youth to also establish good decision making skills so that risk taking is not long-lasting or life-threatening. YRBS results are so important because they teach us where to focus our efforts to reduce risks and help encourage healthy behaviors for youth now and well into the future”
Stephanie Zaza, MD, MPH – Director of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health