Young people in Cumbria are more likely to talk to parents and teachers about drugs than in the rest of the UK
They are more conscious of what they eat and are showing signs of reducing the level of illegal drug use and smoking.
However, the steady rise in the amount of alcohol they are drinking is cause for concern.
These are some of the key findings of the largest survey ever undertaken in the county into the health related behaviour of 9 - 15 year olds in Cumbria released this week (Tuesday 30 January).
The report, which was commissioned by the county council's Cumbria Healthy Schools and the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, provides a detailed snapshot of the lifestyles of young people in the county.
The research involved two thousand young people from 24 schools across the county of varying types, including large, small, rural and semi rural, primaries and secondaries. The young people were given a confidential questionnaire which they answered in exam-type conditions.
Subjects covered in the research included exercise, homework, diet, how much they knew about services available for young people, and satisfaction with life.
The last survey to look at young people's health in the county was in 2003.
Key results from the latest research show that:
-23 per cent of 15 year old males had drunk over 14 units of alcohol in the previous week, higher than the UK average; their main source was supermarkets, the alcohol is mostly consumed at home, and with their parents' knowledge
- Drug use is down, following the UK trend - the 2003 survey showed 19 per cent using drugs compared to only 15 percent in the latest research
- 83 per cent consider that they are safe to go out after dark, higher than the national average.
- More young people in Cumbria have a regular paid job whilst at school - 32 per cent compared to the UK average of 26 per cent. This is turn means they have a higher disposable income than nearly anywhere else in the UK
- 18 per cent of girls recorded that they did no exercise in their own time, only at school
- 13 per cent of the teenagers had not had lunch the day before - a big improvement on the findings of the 2003 survey
The results of the survey will be used by schools, health professionals, the Drug and Alcohol Action Team and other partners to help form future policy and to enable them to make better use of resources.
Alan Tarn is Cumbria County Council's Drugs Education Co-ordinator. He said:
"This latest research, involving over two thousand young people from across the county, shows that in many areas there is positive news and we are seeing marked improvements in some areas of their heath and wellbeing. However, we can't be complacent - there is still much we can do to improve young people's lives."
Councillor Philip Chappelhow is Cabinet Member for Children's Services. He said:
"There are some areas of real progress here, especially with regard to drugs and smoking.
"The fact that young people in the county are more likely to talk about drug issues than their counterparts across the UK is testament to the work being carried out by all the support organisations and in schools. "
Jane Muller is Public Health Specialist for Cumbria Primary Care Trust and member of Cumbria Healthy Schools Management Group. She said:
"It is good to see that the hard work invested by a variety of partners in addressing some of these key health issues is making a real difference.
"The survey information is invaluable in planning services and consulting with young people on ways of improving their health and wellbeing. I am delighted that young people are changing their behaviour in some areas but we all need to ensure that this downward trend continues across all areas."
ENDS
Further information from Alison Lister, media team on 01228 606335