The latest survey of student behavior in Washington County shows efforts in schools to discourage bullying and other anti-social behavior might be working, but alcohol use, especially among high school seniors, continues to be a concern.

Suicide attempts fell dramatically, as did student violence, the survey showed. That's a result of more programs in schools since the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado in 1999, said Cathy Mackiewicz of Washington County's public health department.

"I believe that's really paying off," she told commissioners Tuesday.

Students in the sixth, ninth and 12th grades take the survey as part of a statewide effort to measure trends in youth behavior. This year, 6,700 students in Washington County completed the voluntary survey.

On the bright side, most students responding think their schools are safe, feel connected to their families and use seat belts. County rates of seat-belt use are higher than the state average and have increased significantly since 1998, the survey showed.

The rate of kids who smoke half a pack of cigarettes a day fell to the lowest point since the survey began in 1992, Mackiewicz said.

Physical activity increased in the three grades surveyed, although fewer than half of students report being physically active.

Suicidal thoughts and attempts decreased, particularly among ninth-grade girls. The rate among those girls in 2007 was half the rate in 2004.

Violent behaviors fell as well. The survey showed the rate of hitting or beating up other students among sixth- and ninth-graders fell from about 43 percent of respondents in 1992 to about 25 percent last year. Among 12th-graders, the rate fell from 27 percent in 1992 to 16 percent last year.

Jean Streetar, Washington County's public health program manager, said youth should be commended for positive changes they've made in their behavior. She said, however, that incidences of binge drinking and marijuana use continue to concern parents and officials alike.

Binge drinking remains high, with one of three 12th-graders and one of seven 9th-graders reporting recent episodes. Mackiewicz said boys continue to lead in binge drinking, but girls in Washington County are closing that gap. The rate of binge drinking among 12th-grade girls in the county is 6 percent higher than the state average, she said.

She said sports involvement tended to reduce cigarette and marijuana use. "Unfortunately, that didn't hold true for alcohol," she said.

Meanwhile, the number of students who say they've had sexual intercourse remained about the same in Washington County but slightly lower than the state average. Condom use was lower than when the last survey was completed in 2004, and lower in 2007 compared to state rates.

Streetar said the report is available through schools and at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.

Kevin Giles • 651-298-1554