Analysis of responses of 16,262 high school students surveyed in the 1997 National School-Based Youth Risk Survey indicated that Hispanic male youths engaged more often in risky, including suicidal, behaviours than White or Black male youths, whereas Hispanic & White female youths engaged less often in risky behaviours than Black female youths. The pattern of involvement in risky behaviour was different for youths from the 3 ethnic groups. (9 refs)