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June 3, 2008

Update: State releases survey on risky youth behavior

State officials today have released youth "risk behavior" survey findings expected to show improvement in several areas but "disturbing worsening trends" in some others -- particularly with regard to dating and sexual violence and nutrition.

Find the full release on the Department of Health's Web site.

Dr. David R. Gifford, the state health director, and Peter McWalters, the elementary and secondary education commissioner, released 2007 findings -- the School Youth Risk Behavior Survey. It marks the first information collected from middle schoolers as well.

According to the news release, the middle school information showed certain behaviors begin at a young age and "that prevention efforts must target pre-teens as much as teenagers."

Survey aims included identifying "risk behaviors" and determining "public health successes in improving outcomes for youth," the release says.

"Sustained improvements in adolescent health require coordinated investments in neighborhoods and schools. There is a role for the state, schools, communities and parents."

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 2:00 PM | Permalink

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