Bronx children are getting smarter when it comes to avoiding drugs and alcohol, according to city health officials.

The city's health commissioner says Bronx and city youths are abusing substances less than children across the country. A survey of city public school students found 14 percent of students binge drink, compared to a 26-percent national average. City kids also smoke marijuana 10 percent less than kids in the rest of the nation.

Health officials say the figures are important because children who don't drink or do drugs are less likely to participate in risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex or trying harder drugs.