The working paper identifies some marked differences in both current health status and future trends, between young people in various countries. Moreover, inequalities in young people's health due to economic, social and cultural differences within and between EU countries are increasing. Because of the addictive properties of nicotine, most young daily smokers continue to smoke regularly into middle age. One of the more disturbing trends is that regular alcohol consumption begins at a younger age than it used to, and that drinking to inebriation has become increasingly common among young people. Boys still drink more heavily and more frequently than girls, but the gender gap is narrowing in most Member States.
Suicides account for one in ten premature deaths.
The report also looks into patterns of soft and hard drugs use, sexually transmitted diseases and mental health. In addition the paper gives background on education, unemployment, social inequalities and gender differences.