Survey highlights drink and drug use among children

A survey into drugs, solvents and alcohol use among school-age children has found that the average age for having their first drink is around 11-years-old and for first drug use around 12-years of age.

The research report, which has been published by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), is based on a secondary analysis of the 2003 Young Persons Behaviour and Attitudes Survey.

A summary of the report, which presents findings for Northern Ireland and by Education and Library Board area, found that:

• 23% of pupils in the survey (25% in 2000) reported ever having tried or used an illicit drug. Less than one in ten (8%) had tried or used drugs in the last month prior to the 2003 survey.
• The average age for having the first drink is around 11 years and for first drug use it is around 12 years of age.
• 15% of pupils, who have ever taken a drink, drink either every day or a few times a week. 56% of pupils, who have ever taken a drink, reported having been drunk on at least one occasion.
• The most commonly used illicit drug was cannabis. 9% of pupils in the survey (10% in 2000) reported having used it in the last month prior to the 2003 survey.
• Exposure to, and use of alcohol and drugs, is strongly linked with age. For example, while 6% of 12-year-olds and younger had taken a drink in the last month prior to the 2003 survey, this figure rises to 49% for those aged 16 and older. While 2% of 12 year olds and had used drugs or solvents in the last month prior to the 2003 survey, this figure rises to 16% for those aged 16 and older.

Sinn Féin health spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA said the report should provide the "impetus for an urgent re-assessment of existing health promotion and health education programmes aimed towards school children".

"Clearly there are issues which must be confronted as a result of this survey, not least of which would appear to be the apparent failure of existing health promotion and health education programmes aimed towards school-children to effectively put across their message," Mr O'Dowd said.

(MB/SP)