Challenges for public policies aimed at adolescence and youth based on the National Scholar Health Survey (PeNSE)

Objective: to examine the problems and challenges facing implementation of policies for Brazilian adolescents, on the basis of narrative review of the findings of the National Survey of School Health (PeNSE). Methods: theoretical policy analysis based on narrative review of the three editions of the PeNSE. The articles identified were categorised by priority issues for public policy intervention. Results: cigarette smoking held stable, while use of other tobacco products increased by 18%. Regular alcohol use declined from 27.3% (2009) to 23.2% (2015). Drug experimentation increased, while family supervision produced protective effects against tobacco, alcohol and drug use. All indicators of violence increased, including involvement in fights where someone used a firearm or melee weapon. Diet and physical activity displayed predominantly unhealthy habits: (only 20% exercised for an hour or more daily). Sexuality: condom use at first intercourse decreased from 75.9% to 66.2%. Half the students had used a health service in the prior 12 months. Conclusion: exposure to risk factors, including alcohol, unsafe sex and violent behaviour and conditions, is high in adolescence, making it important to adopt public policies and inter-sectoral actions that are plural and open to singularity in order to protect the health of adolescents and youth.