The more sensible youth of today

[00:00.40] 'Kids these days, eh?' Three simple words that try to summarise many a misunderstanding across a generational divide.

[00:09.97] On one side, the older generation – stuffy, antiquated, and oppressive.

[00:16.34] On the other, the younger generation – rebellious, ignorant and disobedient, and lacking in self-control.

[00:24.31] Or at least that's what popular stereotypes would have us believe. That said, every generation is different in one way or another to the next.

[00:34.67] But if recent figures are anything to go by, juveniles may actually be improving upon their elders' behaviour.

[00:44.76] British 16–24 year olds are drinking less alcohol and smoking less, according to a recent report from the UK Office for National Statistics.

[00:54.59] From 2005 to 2017 the number of British adolescents and young adults who had drunk alcohol the week prior to being interviewed declined from 60% to 50%.

[01:08.40] This is mirrored by their consumption of cigarettes, which dropped from 28.5% to 19.9% for the same period.

[01:19.03] One possible reason for this youth's sagacity could lie in the cultural shift away from these behaviours – something they can thank their forebears for.

[01:29.65] Campaigns and adverts on the dangers of smoking and drinking have been persevering.

[01:34.43] For example, the Department of Transport's Think! campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drink-driving, or the Department of Health's Change4Life campaign promoting the benefits of healthy food and exercise.

[01:47.71] And while, for their predecessors these behaviours may have become ingrained, it seems young people are taking these messages to heart.

[01:57.01] Another explanation could be based in youth's natural delinquency.

[02:02.06] "Young people are rebelling against the older generations' chosen methods of rebellion," says Dr James Nicholls, Director of Research and Policy Development at Alcohol Research UK, speaking to the Guardian.

[02:14.81] In other words, if the older generation's method of rebellion from their parents was to drink, smoke and act anti-socially, then their offspring's is to refrain.

[02:27.29] Whether or not this will continue, only time will tell.

[02:31.54] As these under-25s go through life, they may buck their current trend, and turn to the behaviour of their ancestors.

[02:39.24] However, they may stick to their guns and continue to be sensible.

[02:44.56] If this is indeed the case then a more interesting question arises. How will their youth react?