This Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Trends Report presents findings on indicators of children’s health and wellbeing between 1998 and 2022. The report is divided into three sections: health behaviours, health outcomes and the social contexts of children’s lives. 

Tobacco Use p.16 - There was an overall decrease in the proportion of children who reported that they currently smoked tobacco. There was also an overall decrease in the proportion of young people aged 15-17 who reported having their first cigarette at age 13 or younger.

• Current tobacco smoker
• Age of first cigarette

Alcohol and Drug Use p.19 - There was an overall decrease in the proportion of children who reported having ever been really drunk and using cannabis in the last 12 months. There was also an overall decrease in the proportion of young people aged 15-17 who reported having their first alcoholic drink at age 13 or younger.

• Ever been really drunk
• Age of first alcoholic drink
• Cannabis use in the last 12 months

Data visuals of the findings are also available:

• Trends in Health Behaviours 1998-2022
• Trends in Age of Initiation 1998-2022
• Trends in Health Outcomes 1998-2022
• Trends in Health Contexts 1998-2022