The struggle to carve out an identity and fit in remains the paradox of the teen years. Drew bikes to keep pounds off. Looks are key, and only 4 in 10 respondents consider themselves attractive. Half the girls want to lose weight and, evidence that our culture's obsession with form over content is no longer limited to girls, half the boys want to tone up. Instead of getting less bad for girls, it's getting worse for boys.
Teens find lots of imperfections.
After losing weight and toning up, the top three are their grades, doing better in sports, and having a better relationship with their parents. Faith is central in many students' everyday lives. When asked the most important influence in their lives, survey respondents picked religion second only to their parents. Depression is common. There are no heroes anymore.