Risk Behaviors

At a glance

  • Adolescence is a time of growth and exploration.
  • Unfortunately, some teens' health choices are risky and can have negative health outcomes.
Five teenagers in a park smiling as they take a picture of themselves.

Learn more

Two female teenagers sitting next to each other and looking over their shoulders at two male teenagers.
Sexual Risk Behaviors
Learn the effects of risky sexual behaviors and how the What Works in Schools program lowers the risks.
Four teenagers walking in a line with their arms around each other, smiling and laughing.
Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors
Youth substance use is associated with sexual behaviors and can cause sexual disease and pregnancy.
Youth standing on the deck of a tall building looking out into a city.
Substance Use Among Youth
This focuses on the health effects of youth substance use disorders and what CDC is doing to help.
Four teenagers smiling.
Youth High-Risk Drug Use
Learn the effects of drug use on youth, and the steps schools or families can take to prevent drug use.
A group of diverse teenagers laughing and smiling.
Teens Linked to Care (TLC)
Teens Linked to Care addresses substance use and sexual risk among youth in rural communities.
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Content Source:
Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion