Conducted jointly by the New York City Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and Education (DOE), the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) included public school students in grades 9 through 12. Among the findings:

• 1 in 4 sexually active high school students engaged in sexual behaviors that put them at higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections;

• 1 in 6 reported binge drinking in the past month;

• Approximately 15% said they smoked, down from 18% in 2001; however, smoking among white female students was more than double the average rate among other teens (34% compared to 15%);

• 1 in 6 students reported smoking marijuana in the past month; and

• Many participants indicated that risk behaviors started before high school.

"The health of New York City's youth will form the basis for the health of both tomorrow's adults and for the next generation of New Yorkers," said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH.

"Adolescence can be a difficult time, and risky behaviors begin early -- often before high school," Dr. Frieden noted. "For sexually active young people, responsible sexual behavior -- including using a condom when having sex -- is essential to protecting their health.

"While we are encouraged that teen smoking has declined by 40% over the past four years," Dr. Frieden said, "it is alarming that one in three white female teens continues to smoke. We must support our young people and help them develop healthy habits early in life."

Smoking

Teenage smoking in New York City is declining and is lower than the national average (15% compared to 22%). However, more than 1 in 3 (34%) white female teenagers surveyed reported being a current smoker.

Based on the survey results, smoking is more common among white high school students (27%) than among Hispanic (15%), Asian (11%) or black students (9%). The younger people start smoking, the less likely they are to quit, which increases their risk of premature death, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.

Sexual Activity

Although condom use is more common among New York City students than U.S. students on average, approximately 1 in 4 New York City students reported that they did not use a condom the last time they had sex, increasing their risk for HIV, STDs and unplanned pregnancy.

In 2003, there were more than 5,000 reported cases of chlamydia in 13-17 year olds in New York City.

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking -- defined as having five or more drinks at one setting -- is most common among male 12th grade students, with more than 1 in 4 binge drinking, compared to 1 in 6 overall.

The rate of binge drinking in New York City is lower than the national average (16% compared to 28%). Excessive drinking increases the risk of injury, depression, alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, and other illnesses.

Drug Use

Approximately 15% of New York City high school students reported smoking marijuana in the past month, compared to 22% nationally. Fewer than 5% reported use of other harder drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.

Drug use increases teenagers' risk of accidents and health problems, and may lead to addiction.

Risky Behaviors Before Age 13

Many students reported engaging in risky behaviors before age 13. Approximately 1 in 3 students had an alcoholic drink; 13% smoked a cigarette; 11% were sexually active, and 7% used marijuana.