Go to: Issue Description - Key Facts - Table of Contents
Issue Description
All over the world, teenage and child obesity is on the rise and by the time young people in England reach the age of 15, more than eight out of 10 have already tried alcohol. What steps can young people take to look after their health? What are the risks of smoking, binge drinking and drug use? This book looks at health issues for young people, including nutrition, exercise, mental health, smoking, binge drinking, drug use and unsafe sex.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
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Key Facts
- According to BMI measurements, around three in ten boys and girls aged 2-15 in England were either overweight or obese. (page 3)
- The time that puberty starts will be different for everyone, but it usually happens between the ages of 9 and 16. However some people may start changing earlier or later than this and this is normal too. (page 5)
- Simple things like doing more exercise, improving your diet, spending more time outdoors and upping your social contact can do an enormous amount to improve your mental wellbeing. (page 12)
- In 2008, 68% of pupils aged 11-15 said they had never tried smoking. This is higher than at any time since the young people’s smoking survey began in 1982. (page 16)
- In England, the proportion of young people aged between 11 and 15 who reported having drunk alcohol decreased from six out of 10 to five out of 10, between 1988 and 2007. However, the amount they reported drinking increased from just over six units per week in 1994 to close to 13 units per week in 2007. (page 18)
- One in nine people has had an STI so the chances of catching something are higher than you might think. The best protection against STIs is to use a condom every time you have sex – even if you’re taking the pill. It won’t spoil your fun and it could save your life. (page 25)
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: Keeping Healthy
Health questionnaire, How healthy are our children?, About puberty, Good nutrition, Best exercise for teenagers, Brain workshop, Activities.
Chapter Two: Health Risks
Young people and smoking, Alcohol and young people, Drugs: the facts, Having sex for the first time, Sexually transmitted infections, Contraception, Activities.
