​Children and Young People’s health related behaviours

Since 1996 the Health and Social Services Department has been asking Jersey school children (aged 10 – 15 years) questions about health related issues such diet, physical activity, drugs, alcohol, smoking and emotional health.

The survey, known as the Health Related Behaviours Survey, provides a picture of trends over time as well as some insight into how the same group of young people change as they become older. Some of the survey questions are asked in UK schools so comparisons can be made between Jersey and the UK.

It is important to remember that the findings reflect how young people say they behave. 

Key findings from 2010 survey

The 2010 Health Related Behaviour Survey shows:

• continued decreases in rates of smoking, drinking and drug taking
• decreased consumption of less healthy foods alongside increased rates in physical activity and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables
• young people's sense of self-esteem generally remains high with 80% recording medium to high scores

Whilst there are decreases in drinking and smoking overall, the survey does indicate that that these behaviours increase as young people become older. For example:

• 6% of 10-11 years report drinking alcohol compared to 12% of 12-13 years and 36% at 14-15 years
• 1% of 10-11 years report smoking, compared to 2% of 12-13 years and 12% of 14-15 years