Youth Study Reveals Shocking Behavior

Memphis, Tn - From sex to guns to unhealthy eating, Memphis City Schools look at the risky behavior of its students.

The stats are results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control nation wide every two years.

"This information will only enhance what we're doing, and help us to tailor out messages," says Dr. Nieika Parks, with Memphis City Schools Coordinated Health.

Memphis City Schools randomly selected nearly 1200 students from 33 high schools for the survey. Overall, MCS has seen improvements from 2007's survey, but the risk remains high.

Here are some notable statistics:
35 percent have tried smoking. 57 percent have tried drinking. 60 percent of students watch three hours of T.V. on an average school day. 62 percent have had sex; and 23 percent had sex with four or more partners.

"You talk to them about sex and inform them about alcohol and drug abuse and help the prevent use of those activities," says Parks. "All that will give you the academic gains you want to see."

At Youth Villages, councilors are accustomed to dealing with at risk youth. Susan Deason says parental involvement is key.

"A lot of times if its a single parent family, its important to have extra support and that could be from neighbors, extended family members, to make sure youth is supervised," says Deason.

And its the belief of Memphis City Schools that students avoiding risky behavior results in academic achievement.

"In Memphis City Schools we're giving them all the information that they ned to help them make healthier choices," says Parks.

The national statistics will be released by the CDC this summer.