DrugScope today welcomed figures from the Department of Healths Information Centre revealing a continued downward trend in the number of school-age children using drugs.
The survey, Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England in 2006 reveals that:
- 9 per cent of pupils aged 11 to 15 reported having taken drugs in the last month, down from 11 per cent in 2005.
- 17 per cent of pupils reported having taken drugs in the last year, a figure which has fallen from 19 per cent in 2005.
- the number of pupils who said that they took drugs at least once a month fell from 6 per cent in 2005 to 4 per cent in 2006.
- the number of 11 to 15 year olds who had used cannabis in the last year fell again from 11.7 per cent in 2005 to 10.1 per cent in 2006.
The number of pupils who are regular smokers (at least one cigarette a week) has remained stable since 2003 at 9 per cent. While the number of 11 to 15 year olds who had drunk alcohol in the week preceding the survey fell, continuing a four-year downward trend, it is of significant concern that those who had consumed alcohol had drunk more. The mean number of units of alcohol consumed by pupils aged 11 to 15 who had drunk in the last week in 1990 was 5.3; in 2006, it was 11.4.
Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, said today:
"The downward trend in drug use among young people in England is encouraging, although we should not forget that the UK as a whole continues to fare badly in comparison to many European states. We certainly cannot afford to be complacent, but it is important to recognise where progress has been made. In light of recent concerns over the alleged increases in drug use among teenagers and children, some reassurance can be drawn from the overall downward trend revealed by this survey.
"We are concerned that the quantity of alcohol consumed by 11 to 15 year olds is steadily on the rise, even as the numbers of young people drinking falls. Effective education on the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse is vital, but additional support for vulnerable children, young people and their families is needed too. Illegal drug use and drinking among our young people is a reality that needs to be faced head on. "
Source: www.ic.nhs.uk
Posted: 29th March 2007
For more information please contact Ruth Goldsmith in the DrugScope Press Office on 020 7940 7517 (07736 895563 out of hours) or at press@drugscope.org.uk
