Staying informed of the top health risks for teens will allow you to address these issues with your teen and hopefully, encourage them to make healthy decisions.

1. Vehicle Accidents- Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teen death in the U.S., with an estimated 7 teenagers between the ages of 16-19 dying every day from motor vehicle injuries.
2. Violence- Violence is the second leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. with more than 16,000 teenagers between the ages of 12-19 dying each year by violence. The CDC reports that 33% of students reported carrying a knife or gun at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey.
3. Suicide- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens in the U.S. with approximately 1 out of every 11 teenagers attempting suicide and many more considering it. Factors such as loneliness, depression, family problems, and substance abuse may contribute to suicidal thoughts.  Teenagers who have at least one adult they feel they can talk to are less likely to engage in suicidal behavior or experience depression.
4. Teenage Pregnancy- Although the rate of teenage pregnancy has declined in recent years, those that do become pregnant face the risk of complications from pregnancy and the loss of economic opportunity.
5. STDs- Teenagers make up 25% of the sexually active population but 50% of all new sexually transmitted diseases.
6. Drug and Alcohol Use- Two-Thirds of high school seniors in the U.S. report having tried or regularly using tobacco products. Nine out of ten high school students report that they drink alcohol.  Additionally, 6% of teenagers report having used cocaine at least one time.
7. Overweight/Obesity- 87% of high school students do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables a day. About 33% of high school students do not get the daily recommendation for exercise and only 36% of teenagers are enrolled in physical education programs at school.

Article adapted from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-7-biggest-health-risks-teens-face-2611248