Adolescent health is influenced not only by the strengths and vulnerabilities of individual adolescents, but also by the character of the settings in which they lead their lives. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) is the first national study of adolescent health designed to measure the social settings of adolescent lives, the way in which adolescents connect their social world, and the influence of these social settings and connections on health. Summaries of the first analysis of the Add Health data are presented here. The report focuses on health and behavior, family connections, school connections, and individual characteristics, with an emphasis on those things that protect young people from harm. Specific issues covered include emotional distress, suicidal thoughts and attempts, violence perpetration, cigarette use, alcohol use, marijuana use, early sexual involvement, and pregnancy. By most measures, teenagers across the country are doing well. However, some teens are at risk, and as they get older, students report higher levels of distress than do students in grades 7 and 8. Girls report one-third more emotional distress than boys. Nevertheless, when teenagers felt connected to their families and when parents were involved in their children's lives, teens were protected from many difficulties. (RJM)