A recent RNZ podcast episode of It Takes a Village delved into an intriguing trend among teenagers: over the past two decades, teens have been engaging in fewer risky behaviors, including drinking less alcohol, smoking less, and having less sex. Dr. Jude Ball, a research fellow at the University of Otago Wellington, has explored this phenomenon in her doctoral thesis, Sex, drugs, smokes and booze: What’s driving teen trends?. Her findings highlight a complex interplay of factors, debunking the idea that education or digital media alone can explain these changes.

Dr. Ball observed that in the 1990s, teen smoking, drinking, and sexual activity rose sharply, but these behaviors declined steadily from the 2000s onward. Surprisingly, tobacco taxes, health campaigns, and other conventional policy interventions had limited impact on smoking rates. Instead, she found a notable shift in societal norms, with fewer teens viewing smoking as acceptable. By 2012, the proportion of teens who thought smoking was acceptable had halved twice compared to 2001. This reflects a broader cultural change in attitudes toward risky behaviors.

Interestingly, Dr. Ball’s research suggests that teens are going out less at night, which reduces their exposure to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and sexual activity. Changes in parental behavior have also played a significant role. Modern parents are generally less permissive and less likely to supply alcohol to their teens. Despite concerns that family life is deteriorating, data shows that parents are spending more time with their children, contributing to a healthier family dynamic.

However, the news isn’t entirely positive. While risky behaviors have declined, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health among teens have not improved. Dr. Ball highlights a possible “shadow side” to reduced socializing: isolation and sedentary behavior may be taking a toll on teens’ well-being. The podcast underscores that the decline in risky behaviors is a multifaceted issue, shaped by a complex mix of cultural, parental, and societal factors—without a simple explanation.

Find more from RNZ´s It Takes A Village (New Zealand, January 2025)