Teen Britain: The shocking truth

Teenagers are facing what medical experts warn is "a mental health time bomb" caused by the abuse of drugs and alcohol.

New figures show that the use of drink and drugs has become common among children as young as 13, with one expert saying alcohol, cocaine and marijuana are "as ubiquitous as traffic on the streets".

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Doctors and counsellors say that record numbers of stressed-out adolescents are becoming addicts as they struggle to cope with the trauma of family break-up, exam pressures and the ever-growing obsession with body image.

The use of drink and drugs is also fuelling a growing problem of sex among young teenagers. Ministers are now considering forcing doctors to breach confidentiality with young patients if they believe they are having under-age sex.

72% Alcohol

The proportion of 14-year-olds who have drunk alcohol. Almost half of all 13-year-olds have also tried it. Mental health experts say people drinking at that age are four times more likely to become alcoholics

36% Drugs

The proportion of 15-year-olds who have tried cocaine or cannabis. Addiction experts say there is clear evidence that young people using drugs are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders in later life

32% Sex

The proportion of 15-year-olds who have had sexual intercourse, with more than one in 10 saying they felt pressured into it by peers. Doctors say the trend is fuelling an explosion in sexually transmitted diseases

25% Suicide

The proportion of girls aged 15 who have considered killing themselves or indulged in significant attempts at self-harm. Almost one in 10 blamed bullying and violence for their low self-esteem and depression