Facts & Information You Need To Know
SCHOOL BULLYING
What is school bullying?
Bullying includes a wide variety of behaviors, but all involve a person or a group repeatedly trying to harm
someone who is weaker or more vulnerable. It can involve direct attacks (such as hitting, threatening or
intimidating, maliciously teasing and taunting, name-calling, making sexual remarks, and stealing or damaging
belongings) or more subtle, indirect attacks (such as spreading rumors or encouraging others to reject or exclude
someone).
Almost 30 percent of teens in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in school
bullying as either a bully, a target of teen bullying, or both. In a recent national survey of students in grades 6 to
10, 13 percent reported bullying others, 11 percent reported being the target of school bullies, and another 6
percent said they bullied others and were bullied themselves. (Information obtained from CDC)
TEENAGE ALCOHOL USAGE
Underage Drinking Stats for all youth, ages 12-17:
• 7.2 million adolescents drank at least once in the past year.
• 2.7 million teens drank alcohol about once a month or more in the past year.
• 1 million youths drank at least once a week or more in the past year.
• Girls were as likely as boys their age to drink alcohol.
• Hispanic youth were as likely as white non-Hispanic youth to be current drinkers.
• Black non-Hispanic youth were the least likely of the racial/ethnic groups to be current drinkers.
• 66% thought drinking 4 or 5 alcoholic drinks nearly every day was a great risk.
• 47% thought drinking 4 or 5 alcoholic drinks once or twice a week was a great risk.
Teen alcohol use, underage drinking, and teen alcoholism info from: SAMHSA National Household Survey on
Drug Abuse Stats
TEENAGE ANGER
There are many different statistics out showing the effects for teen anger on everything from dating to school
to home life. The following are some startling statistics on teen violence:
• According to SafeYouth.com more than 1 in 3 high school students, both male and female, have been
involved in a physical fight. 1 in 9 of those students have been injured badly enough to need medical
treatment.
• The 2002 National Gang Trends Survey (NGTS) stated that there are more than 24,500 different street gangs
in the United States alone. More than 772,500 of the members of these gangs are teens and young adults.
• The 2002 NGTS also showed that teens and young adults involved in gang activity are 60 times more likely
to be killed than the rest of the American population.
• A 2001 report released by the U.S. Department of Justice claims that 20 out of 1000 women ages 16 to 24
will experience a sexual assault while on a date. And that 68% of all rape victims know their attackers.
• The U.S. Justice report also stated that 1 in 3 teens, both male and female, have experienced some sort of
violent behavior from a dating partner.
TEENAGE DEPRESSION
What is Teen Depression?
Most of us feel sad or unhappy at various times in our life, but teenage depression that extends for a longer
lengths of time (usually more than 2 weeks) and that interferes with our daily life is considered to be major
depression. This type of teen depression is one that isn't to be taken lightly and should be treated as early as
possible to prevent further problems.
Studies and statistics show that approximately 1 in 8 adolescents may be suffering from depression, a very
scary statistic. Even more frightening is that only 30% of these children who are suffering emotional/mental
turmoil are receiving any treatment for it.
Teen Depression Sources:
1. www.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens/depression.asp
2. www.nih.gov
3. www.teendepression.org
4. www.aacap.org
TEENAGE EATING DISORDER
What are teenage eating disorders?
Teen eating disorders often are long-term illnesses that may require long-term treatment. In addition, teen
eating disorders frequently occur with other mental disorders such as teen depression, substance abuse,
and anxiety disorders (NIMH, 2002). The earlier these eating disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better
the chances are for full recovery. This fact sheet identifies the common signs, symptoms, and treatment for
three of the most common teen eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating
disorder (NIMH, 2002).
Who has teen eating disorders?
Research shows that more than 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the
ages of 12 and 25 (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 2003). However, increasing numbers of older women
and men have these eating disorders. In addition, hundreds of thousands of boys are affected by these
disorders. (U.S. DHHS Office on Women's Health, 2000). (Information obtained from SAMHSA)
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world.
Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually.
Thirty-four percent of young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20 -- about
820,000 a year. Eight in ten of these teen pregnancies are unintended and 79 percent are to unmarried teens.
The teen birth rate has declined slowly but steadily from 1991 to 2002 with an overall decline of 30 percent
for those aged 15 to 19. These recent declines reverse the 23-percent rise in the teenage birth rate from
1986 to 1991. The largest decline since 1991 by race was for black women. The birth rate for black teens
aged 15 to 19 fell 42 percent between 1991 to 2002. Hispanic teen birth rates declined 20 percent between
1991 and 2002. The rates of both Hispanics and blacks, however, remain higher than for other groups.
Hispanic teens now have the highest teenage birth rates. Most teenagers giving birth before 1980 were
married whereas most teens giving birth today are unmarried.
The younger a teenaged girl is when she has sex for the first time, the more likely she is to have had
unwanted or non-voluntary sex. Close to four in ten girls who had first intercourse at 13 or 14 report it was
either non-voluntary or unwanted. (Teen Pregnancy information obtained from The National Campaign To
Prevent Teen Pregnancy)
TEENAGE SMOKING
Teen smoking had been on a sharp decline since the mid-late 1990's, but recent data shows that the
adolescent smoking rates are rising slightly.
According to a 2005 study done by the CDC, 23% of high school students reported smoking cigarettes in the
last month. This is compared with a previous study of high school students that showed 21.9% in 2003.
While this data is somewhat discouraging it is far better than the 1997 level of the same survey at 36.4%.
The rise appears to be greatest among white and Hispanic teens while the rates of teen smoking declined
among black teens.
There is no concrete evidence at this time to show why the teen smoking statistics have declined since
1997, but some believe it is in better awareness efforts. Some also feel that it is due to a decline in media
glamorizing smoking.
The CDC study showed that 80% of smokers begin before the age of 18. A similar study which was published
by the American Lung Association website shows 90% of smokers begin before the age of 21.
A study that was done by the CDC also found some interesting facts and estimates:
1. About 3,900 teens under 18 start smoking each day;
2. Of the 3,900 teens that start smoking each day - 1500 will become regular smokers;
3. Those who smoke often have secondary behavioral issues such as violence, drug/alcohol use, and high-
risk sexual behavior.
(Teen Smoking Statistics Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic, ALA)
TEENAGE STRESS
Teen stress is very common among the adolescents today.
According to a 2002 local high school survey of 815 students that participated, 70 percent said they were
"stressed out".
Just being a teenager can be very stressful. There is so much going on and so many changes happening all
at once! Some causes of teen stress are: school work load, poor self image, problems with friends, peer
pressure, not fitting in, parents divorcing, death of a loved one, moving or changing schools, taking on too
many activities at once, problems at home, and feeling lonely.
Signs of Teen Stress:
1. Feeling down, on edge, guilty or tired;
2. Having headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping;
3. Wanting to be alone all the time;
4. Not enjoying activities you used to enjoy;
5. Feeling resentful of others;
6. Feeling like you have too many things you have to do.
Teen stress can lead to more serious problems. Struggling with major teen stress and low self-esteem
issues can lead to more serious problems such as teen eating disorders, hurting yourself, teen depression,
alcohol abuse and drug abuse, and even teen suicide. (Teen Stress Sources: Department of Health National
Women's Health Information Center)
TEENAGE SUICIDE
Teen Suicide Deaths, U.S., 2001
• Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
• Teen suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults and adolescents 15 to 24 years of
age, following unintentional injuries and homicide. The rate was 9.9/100,000 or .01%.
• The adolescent suicide rate among youth ages 10-14 was 1.3/100,000 or 272 deaths among 20,910,440
children in this age group. The gender ratio for this age group was 3:1 (males: females).
• The teen suicide rate among youth aged 15-19 was 7.9/100,000 or 1,611 deaths among 20,271,312
teenagers in this age group. The gender ratio for teenage group was 5:1 (males: females).
• Among young people 20 to 24 years of age, the youth suicide rate was 12/100,000 or 2,360 deaths among
19,711,423 people in this age group. The gender ratio for this age group was 7:1 (males: females).
(Teenage suicide statistics from NIMH/U.S. Gov.)
TEENAGE VIOLENCE
Occurrence of Teen Violence and Consequences of Teen Violence:
In 2002, more than 877,700 young people ages 10 to 24 were injured from violent acts. Approximately 1 in
13 required hospitalization (CDC 2004).
Teen Violence causes, incidence, and risk factors.
Homicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24 overall. In this age group,
it is the leading cause of death for African-Americans, the second leading cause of death for Hispanics, and
the third leading cause of death for American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Asian Pacific Islanders
(Anderson and Smith 2003).
In 2001, 5,486 young people ages 10 to 24 were murdered, an average of 15 each day (CDC 2004).
In 2001, 79% of homicide victims ages 10 to 24 were killed with firearms (CDC 2004).
In a nationwide survey, 17% of students reported carrying a weapon (e.g., gun, knife, or club) on one or more
days in the 30 days preceding the survey (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
Among students nationwide, 33% reported being in a physical fight one or more times in the 12 months
preceding the survey (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
Nationwide, 9% of students reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or
girlfriend in the 12 months prior to being surveyed (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
Groups at Risk of Teen Violence:
Of the 5,486 homicides reported in the 10 to 24 age group in 2001, 85% (4,659) were males and 15% (827)
were females (CDC 2004).
A nationwide survey found male students (41%) more likely to have been involved in a physical fight than
female students (25%) in the 12 months preceding the survey (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
A nationwide survey found female students (12%) more likely than male students (6%) to have been forced to
have sexual intercourse (Grunbaum et al. 2004). (Teen Violence and youth violence information obtained
from CDC)
What is school bullying?
Bullying includes a wide variety of behaviors, but all involve a person or a group repeatedly trying to harm
someone who is weaker or more vulnerable. It can involve direct attacks (such as hitting, threatening or
intimidating, maliciously teasing and taunting, name-calling, making sexual remarks, and stealing or damaging
belongings) or more subtle, indirect attacks (such as spreading rumors or encouraging others to reject or exclude
someone).
Almost 30 percent of teens in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in school
bullying as either a bully, a target of teen bullying, or both. In a recent national survey of students in grades 6 to
10, 13 percent reported bullying others, 11 percent reported being the target of school bullies, and another 6
percent said they bullied others and were bullied themselves. (Information obtained from CDC)
TEENAGE ALCOHOL USAGE
Underage Drinking Stats for all youth, ages 12-17:
• 7.2 million adolescents drank at least once in the past year.
• 2.7 million teens drank alcohol about once a month or more in the past year.
• 1 million youths drank at least once a week or more in the past year.
• Girls were as likely as boys their age to drink alcohol.
• Hispanic youth were as likely as white non-Hispanic youth to be current drinkers.
• Black non-Hispanic youth were the least likely of the racial/ethnic groups to be current drinkers.
• 66% thought drinking 4 or 5 alcoholic drinks nearly every day was a great risk.
• 47% thought drinking 4 or 5 alcoholic drinks once or twice a week was a great risk.
Teen alcohol use, underage drinking, and teen alcoholism info from: SAMHSA National Household Survey on
Drug Abuse Stats
TEENAGE ANGER
There are many different statistics out showing the effects for teen anger on everything from dating to school
to home life. The following are some startling statistics on teen violence:
• According to SafeYouth.com more than 1 in 3 high school students, both male and female, have been
involved in a physical fight. 1 in 9 of those students have been injured badly enough to need medical
treatment.
• The 2002 National Gang Trends Survey (NGTS) stated that there are more than 24,500 different street gangs
in the United States alone. More than 772,500 of the members of these gangs are teens and young adults.
• The 2002 NGTS also showed that teens and young adults involved in gang activity are 60 times more likely
to be killed than the rest of the American population.
• A 2001 report released by the U.S. Department of Justice claims that 20 out of 1000 women ages 16 to 24
will experience a sexual assault while on a date. And that 68% of all rape victims know their attackers.
• The U.S. Justice report also stated that 1 in 3 teens, both male and female, have experienced some sort of
violent behavior from a dating partner.
TEENAGE DEPRESSION
What is Teen Depression?
Most of us feel sad or unhappy at various times in our life, but teenage depression that extends for a longer
lengths of time (usually more than 2 weeks) and that interferes with our daily life is considered to be major
depression. This type of teen depression is one that isn't to be taken lightly and should be treated as early as
possible to prevent further problems.
Studies and statistics show that approximately 1 in 8 adolescents may be suffering from depression, a very
scary statistic. Even more frightening is that only 30% of these children who are suffering emotional/mental
turmoil are receiving any treatment for it.
Teen Depression Sources:
1. www.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens/depression.asp
2. www.nih.gov
3. www.teendepression.org
4. www.aacap.org
TEENAGE EATING DISORDER
What are teenage eating disorders?
Teen eating disorders often are long-term illnesses that may require long-term treatment. In addition, teen
eating disorders frequently occur with other mental disorders such as teen depression, substance abuse,
and anxiety disorders (NIMH, 2002). The earlier these eating disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better
the chances are for full recovery. This fact sheet identifies the common signs, symptoms, and treatment for
three of the most common teen eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating
disorder (NIMH, 2002).
Who has teen eating disorders?
Research shows that more than 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the
ages of 12 and 25 (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 2003). However, increasing numbers of older women
and men have these eating disorders. In addition, hundreds of thousands of boys are affected by these
disorders. (U.S. DHHS Office on Women's Health, 2000). (Information obtained from SAMHSA)
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world.
Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually.
Thirty-four percent of young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20 -- about
820,000 a year. Eight in ten of these teen pregnancies are unintended and 79 percent are to unmarried teens.
The teen birth rate has declined slowly but steadily from 1991 to 2002 with an overall decline of 30 percent
for those aged 15 to 19. These recent declines reverse the 23-percent rise in the teenage birth rate from
1986 to 1991. The largest decline since 1991 by race was for black women. The birth rate for black teens
aged 15 to 19 fell 42 percent between 1991 to 2002. Hispanic teen birth rates declined 20 percent between
1991 and 2002. The rates of both Hispanics and blacks, however, remain higher than for other groups.
Hispanic teens now have the highest teenage birth rates. Most teenagers giving birth before 1980 were
married whereas most teens giving birth today are unmarried.
The younger a teenaged girl is when she has sex for the first time, the more likely she is to have had
unwanted or non-voluntary sex. Close to four in ten girls who had first intercourse at 13 or 14 report it was
either non-voluntary or unwanted. (Teen Pregnancy information obtained from The National Campaign To
Prevent Teen Pregnancy)
TEENAGE SMOKING
Teen smoking had been on a sharp decline since the mid-late 1990's, but recent data shows that the
adolescent smoking rates are rising slightly.
According to a 2005 study done by the CDC, 23% of high school students reported smoking cigarettes in the
last month. This is compared with a previous study of high school students that showed 21.9% in 2003.
While this data is somewhat discouraging it is far better than the 1997 level of the same survey at 36.4%.
The rise appears to be greatest among white and Hispanic teens while the rates of teen smoking declined
among black teens.
There is no concrete evidence at this time to show why the teen smoking statistics have declined since
1997, but some believe it is in better awareness efforts. Some also feel that it is due to a decline in media
glamorizing smoking.
The CDC study showed that 80% of smokers begin before the age of 18. A similar study which was published
by the American Lung Association website shows 90% of smokers begin before the age of 21.
A study that was done by the CDC also found some interesting facts and estimates:
1. About 3,900 teens under 18 start smoking each day;
2. Of the 3,900 teens that start smoking each day - 1500 will become regular smokers;
3. Those who smoke often have secondary behavioral issues such as violence, drug/alcohol use, and high-
risk sexual behavior.
(Teen Smoking Statistics Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic, ALA)
TEENAGE STRESS
Teen stress is very common among the adolescents today.
According to a 2002 local high school survey of 815 students that participated, 70 percent said they were
"stressed out".
Just being a teenager can be very stressful. There is so much going on and so many changes happening all
at once! Some causes of teen stress are: school work load, poor self image, problems with friends, peer
pressure, not fitting in, parents divorcing, death of a loved one, moving or changing schools, taking on too
many activities at once, problems at home, and feeling lonely.
Signs of Teen Stress:
1. Feeling down, on edge, guilty or tired;
2. Having headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping;
3. Wanting to be alone all the time;
4. Not enjoying activities you used to enjoy;
5. Feeling resentful of others;
6. Feeling like you have too many things you have to do.
Teen stress can lead to more serious problems. Struggling with major teen stress and low self-esteem
issues can lead to more serious problems such as teen eating disorders, hurting yourself, teen depression,
alcohol abuse and drug abuse, and even teen suicide. (Teen Stress Sources: Department of Health National
Women's Health Information Center)
TEENAGE SUICIDE
Teen Suicide Deaths, U.S., 2001
• Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
• Teen suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults and adolescents 15 to 24 years of
age, following unintentional injuries and homicide. The rate was 9.9/100,000 or .01%.
• The adolescent suicide rate among youth ages 10-14 was 1.3/100,000 or 272 deaths among 20,910,440
children in this age group. The gender ratio for this age group was 3:1 (males: females).
• The teen suicide rate among youth aged 15-19 was 7.9/100,000 or 1,611 deaths among 20,271,312
teenagers in this age group. The gender ratio for teenage group was 5:1 (males: females).
• Among young people 20 to 24 years of age, the youth suicide rate was 12/100,000 or 2,360 deaths among
19,711,423 people in this age group. The gender ratio for this age group was 7:1 (males: females).
(Teenage suicide statistics from NIMH/U.S. Gov.)
TEENAGE VIOLENCE
Occurrence of Teen Violence and Consequences of Teen Violence:
In 2002, more than 877,700 young people ages 10 to 24 were injured from violent acts. Approximately 1 in
13 required hospitalization (CDC 2004).
Teen Violence causes, incidence, and risk factors.
Homicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24 overall. In this age group,
it is the leading cause of death for African-Americans, the second leading cause of death for Hispanics, and
the third leading cause of death for American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Asian Pacific Islanders
(Anderson and Smith 2003).
In 2001, 5,486 young people ages 10 to 24 were murdered, an average of 15 each day (CDC 2004).
In 2001, 79% of homicide victims ages 10 to 24 were killed with firearms (CDC 2004).
In a nationwide survey, 17% of students reported carrying a weapon (e.g., gun, knife, or club) on one or more
days in the 30 days preceding the survey (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
Among students nationwide, 33% reported being in a physical fight one or more times in the 12 months
preceding the survey (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
Nationwide, 9% of students reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or
girlfriend in the 12 months prior to being surveyed (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
Groups at Risk of Teen Violence:
Of the 5,486 homicides reported in the 10 to 24 age group in 2001, 85% (4,659) were males and 15% (827)
were females (CDC 2004).
A nationwide survey found male students (41%) more likely to have been involved in a physical fight than
female students (25%) in the 12 months preceding the survey (Grunbaum et al. 2004).
A nationwide survey found female students (12%) more likely than male students (6%) to have been forced to
have sexual intercourse (Grunbaum et al. 2004). (Teen Violence and youth violence information obtained
from CDC)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
