This survey is the latest in a time series established in 1982 which provides national estimates of the proportion of young people ages 16 and under who smoke, drink alcohol and/or take illegal drugs. An equivalent survey was also conducted in England.

Surveys have been conducted biennially, apart from 1988, when there was no survey. Initially, the survey covered cigarette smoking prevalence and smoking behavior. The focus was widened in 1990 to include alcohol consumption. Questions about illegal drugs were introduced in 1988.