Kicking the habit

Figures released yesterday following an Islandwide health survey of school students also show that the number of teenagers drinking is declining, as is the number being offered drugs. The one big worry for the future is increasing levels of obesity, with waistlines growing in Jersey at a rate comparable with many other western countries. The data was compiled from responses to the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire, which was filled in by more than 2,500 youngsters aged ten to 15. According to the survey, in 2006, 21 per cent of young people aged 14 and 15 admit to smoking occasionally or regularly. In 2002, the same question was asked and 33 per cent of year 10 pupils said they smoked.