Teenagers are turning their backs on binge drinking, smoking and taking illegal drugs in their thousands after one of the biggest surveys of the health of youngsters revealed some surprising findings.

A snapshot of the recreational habits of thousands of youngsters in one West county, carried out by an independent group on behalf of health chiefs, showed that the teenagers of 2008 are probably far better behaved than their parents.

Far from being the binge-drinking, drug-using hoodies depicted in TV dramas such as Channel 4's Skins, the youngsters of Wiltshire are actually healthy and more strait-laced than generations before them, according to the report.

Since the 1960s, older generations have slammed youngsters for their desire to get drunk and take drugs – but now it seems the youngsters are turning their backs on vice and are more likely to eat fruit and do their homework than pop a pill or smoke a joint.

And now health bosses want to shatter the common misconception held by older generations that youngsters are all about hedonistic booze and drugs.

Thousands of young people in Wiltshire were surveyed for the study, which found a surprising 96 percent of secondary school pupils had not used an illegal drug in the last month. In fact, drug use among young people has dropped by half in the past six years, proving the current crop of teenagers are probably the least rebellious and most health-conscious for generations.

Rates of smoking and drinking among pupils has also reduced significantly since 2002, with Wiltshire secondary school pupils more likely to say they have never tried smoking.

Teenagers are also more likely to eat fruit and vegetables than elsewhere in Britain, wash their hands and get a say in how their school can make them happier and healthier.

The survey was carried out by independent organisation SHEU on behalf of school and health bosses in the county. Youngsters were quizzed anonymously and those behind the survey said they were confident the answers were honest and reliable.

Some 2,387 pupils in 31 schools across the county took part in the huge survey. Wiltshire's director of public health, Maggie Rae, said she hoped it would shatter some misconceptions about youngsters.

"Despite the stories about binge drinking and drug use, we recognise that the vast majority of young people in Wiltshire make sensible and healthy decisions," she said.

"We hope parents are reassured and encouraged by what young people in Wiltshire tell us in this recent survey."

The results will now feed into national statistics on young people's health and add to the growing evidence that young people are cleaner, happier and more confident than ever.

Young people have better-than-ever knowledge of drugs and contraception and are less likely to drink booze, the survey found. They are also more likely to be offered drugs, but less likely to say 'yes'. They are less fit, however, but say they enjoy exercise, and are also less worried about appearance and more concerned with education.

Carolyn Godfrey, Wiltshire's education director, said: "We are pleased to be able to show how the health of our young people is improving, thanks in part to the work of schools and partnership work with other agencies.

"However, we are not complacent and continue to encourage and support schools in their health-related work with young people."