Gender Differences in Risky Behaviors of High School Students

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examines current rates and historical trends of youths’ experiences regarding sex, substance abuse, violence and other risky behaviors. This data can be useful to college student affairs personnel as they plan programs to address risky behaviors on campus. Much of the data is broken down by gender. Here are some of the highlights of the report.

• The percentage of high school students who have ever had sex has dropped significantly over the past 10 years. In 2017, 41.4 percent of male high school students reported that they had sex at some point in their lives compared to 37.7 percent of female high school students. A decade ago, the rates were significantly higher for both males and females.
• Nearly 12 percent of male high school students said that they had four or more sexual partners, compared to 7.9 percent of female high school students. Once again, a decade ago, the rates were significantly higher for both males and females.
• More than 61 percent of male high school students reported using a condom when they had sex compared to 47 percent of female high school students. Condom use overall is down from a decade ago.
• More than 14 percent of male high school students reported that they had ever used illegal drugs. This was slightly higher than the rate for female high school students.
• Some 2 percent of male high school student reported they had injected illegal drugs compared to 0.8 percent of female high school students. But female high school students were slightly more likely than their male peers to misuse prescription opioids.
• Seven percent of females and 6 percent of males said they did not attend high school classes at some point because they feared for their safety.
• Nearly 20 percent of female high school students said they were victims of cyber bullying, compared to 9.9 percent of male high school students.
• More than 22 percent of female high school students said they had been bullied at school. For male high school students, the rate was 15.6 percent.
• Some 11 percent of female high school students said they had been forced to have sex, compared to 3.5 percent of male high school students.
• About 41 percent of female high schools students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness compared to 21.4 percent of male high school students.
• More than 22 percent of female high school student reported that they had considered suicide. Less than 12 percent of male high school students said they had considered suicide.

The full 91-page report, Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Data Summary and Trends Report, 2007 to 2017, may be downloaded by clicking here.