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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of areca nut consumption and to identify social and behavioural determinants among a Taiwanese adolescent population. Subjects and Methods: A random sample of 5,343 high school students aged between 15–18 years in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, participated in the study. Participants underwent a clinical dental examination and completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Data analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression to establish a relationship between areca nut consumption as well as social and behavioural characteristics. Results: The prevalence of areca nut consumption was 3.0%. The chewing habit was more prevalent among older adolescents (p <.001, OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.78), males (p <.001, OR = 17.91, 95% CI: 8.57, 37.40), pupils living with non‐birth parent(s) (p =.003, OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.50), children of family heads with primary (p =.001, OR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.50, 5.59) or secondary level of education (p <.001, OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.46), frequent risk takers (p <.001, OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.43) and students of low physical fitness (p <.001, OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.81, 7.35). Conclusions: Areca nut consumption has become an ongoing pertinent issue in adolescent health. Future investigations into neurocognitive influences of risk‐taking behaviour on areca nut consumption and social dependence of the habit are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]