Healthy Youth Development: Highlights from the 2003 Adolescent Health Survey

A summary of key findings from the 2003 Adolescent Health Survey (AHS), a large-scale survey conducted in grades 7-12 in British Columbia. Data tables and descriptions are provided on the topics of youth's family background; smoking; substance use; sexual behaviour; physical and emotional health; injuries, violence and safety. The 2003 AHS found a dramatic decrease in smoking since the 1998 survey, a slight decline in substance use, fewer injuries, and a decline in physical and sexual abuse. Ongoing risk areas where preventative education and health promotion should be targeted include school safety, internet safety, diet, discrimination and harassment.