Teens grow quickly in mind and body. They need care and education to navigate life changes positively. Parents, teachers and community members are important role models and support systems.

Developing good health behaviors in adolescence can carry over into lifelong habits. Some teens don’t have a trusted adult they can talk to about physical and mental health, though. Poverty and lack of health insurance can also reduce their chances of getting a healthy start in life.

Supporting young people in Bexar County will give them the best chance of becoming healthy, productive adults. Find resources and learn how to support teens in our Resources section below.

Prevention

Positive behaviors like getting preventive care, sleeping enough and eating healthy foods can protect teens' health.

Youth.gov lists other factors that can protect teens, including:

• Family stability and support
• Rules, limits, adult monitoring and clear expectations for behavior 
• Involvement in at least two areas outside of family, such as:
  
  • Arts, theater or music
  • Culture
  • Job 
  • Religion
  • School/afterschool programs
  • Sports
• Freedom from violence and bullying
• Mentoring and support to help teens develop their skills and interests

Health Risks in Adolescence

As teenagers gain more freedom, they have to make choices about their health, relationships and lifestyles. Teens’ choices can sometimes lead to unsafe, risky behavior. 

According to Youth.gov, teens are at risk of:

• Alcohol and substance use
• Depression 
• Unsafe driving
• Unsafe sexual behaviors
• Violence 

Studies suggest that half of all behavioral risks first appear during the teen years. 

Teen Health in Bexar County

According to a Healthy Futures of Texas report [PDF] on Bexar County:

• A baby is born to a teen mom every six hours.
• The teen birth rate has fallen since 2007 to 19 per 1,000 in 2021. But that’s still 39% higher than the nation’s teen birth rate.
• The teen birth rate is highest among Hispanic youths.

According to a 2019 report from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, accidents, suicide and homicide are the leading causes of death among young people aged 15-24.

According to the 2022 SASpeak Up Teen Mental Health Survey [PDF] of youths ages 12–19:

• 37% can’t complete daily tasks due to mental health struggles
• 49% feel helpless, hopeless, numb or like nothing matters
• 24% smoke, vape, drink alcohol or use drugs

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.