To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Gallup Youth Survey (GYS), Tuesday Briefing staff interviewed George Gallup Jr. about GYS findings over the past 25 years and his opinions on what those findings tell us about today's youth. The following is the third in a series of interview excerpts, and focuses on teen health.
Q: How would you sum up the health picture among teens today, based on Gallup Youth Survey findings?
A: Well, I would say it is a "good news/bad news" scenario.
Q: Let's start with the bad news.
A: Survey evidence shows that bad eating habits, poor attitudes toward exercise, lack of sleep, and too much fatty food combine to make American teens among the least healthy teens in developed nations. In addition, drug and alcohol abuse continue to cause serious problems among teens today. Teen-agers are also exposed to a wide range of sexual diseases, some of them incurable.
I feel that young people who are handicapped by poor health habits, or are caught up in risk behaviors, are unlikely to reach the levels of education necessary for survival and success in our complex and competitive world.
Q: So what's the good news?
A: Well, the percentage of teens of high school age who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and experiment with marijuana has declined dramatically over the last two decades -- in fact as much as 50% in each of these categories.
Q: What's behind these improved figures?
A: I'm sure there are many factors. I think that one can, to a considerable extent, credit national campaigns to deter drinking, smoking and drug use. Also, it should be noted, teens indicate that health topics are discussed at school, with large majorities saying drug and alcohol abuse, proper nutrition, exercise, cigarette smoking and AIDS are covered in class work.
Q: What about the home environment?
A: The home plays a huge role in the health habits of youngsters -- for both good and ill. Let me give you some figures, based on a Gallup survey of adults. Of persons interviewed who were raised in what they described as a "health-conscious household," 76% said their present household is also health-conscious. However, among those who were raised in a "not-at-all health-conscious" household, only 33% indicate that their present household is health-conscious.
Teens frequently take cues from their parents in health matters. In fact, a large percentage of teens think their parents are doing a lot worse than they are -- especially where smoking, weight and exercise are concerned.
Q: How do teens feel about their own health?
A: Our surveys show that teens tend to be quite open and honest about their health habits. The large majority of teen-agers hold the view that good health is very important to their self-esteem.
Teens are also ready to admit that there is considerable room for improvement in their health habits. For example, half of teens say they do not get enough sleep, one-third say they don't watch their diet, one-fourth do not get regular checkups with their doctor, and one-fifth do not get regular exercise.
Q: So are you hopeful about the future health habits of America's teens?
I tend to be optimistic. I believe that national campaigns on health habits, schools addressing the issues, and growing awareness among parents will, in the immediate years ahead, combine to bring this country to par with other developed nations in the world.