School pupils are turning their backs on smoking and alcohol, but continue to put their sexual health at risk with reckless behaviour, according to a survey.
The health and wellbeing study covered 11,200 Glasgow secondary pupils and was carried out by the Glasgow City Health abnd Social Care Partnership.
It showed that smoking rates among school pupils have halved over the last three years. Fewr young people reported drinking alcohol and many pupils now regularly drink water during the day. However nearly a third of pupils said they drank full-sugar fizzy drinks daily.
Meanwhile 20 per cent of S3 to S6 pupils said they had had sex, and a quarter had used drugs or alcohol at the time, while almost a third used no contraception.
The report was published to coincide with an event at Hampden Stadium for pupils from across the city.
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The reduction in the number of school pupils who are not taking up smoking is extremely pleasing and encouraging.”
Fiona Moss, Head of Health Improvement & Inequalities, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “This is the most extensive survey of young people anywhere in Scotland and gives us a better insight into issues they face and their well-being.
“Young people are a priority for Glasgow city, and these findings will be used to inform our planning to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all our young people.”
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