Pubdate: Thu, 17 Jul 2003
Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Williams Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.wltribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226
Author: Gaeil Farrar

SCHOOL DRUG SURVEY A SHOCK

Most people are aware that some high school students in the lakecity have 
tried cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana.

But it came as somewhat of a shock for teachers and counsellors at Williams 
Lake Secondary to learn that some students have also tried cocaine, says 
journalism teacher Tim Hurley.

His journalism students conducted two studies on drug use in the school, 
the results of which were published in the school newspaper The Grapevine.

"These are not refined research tools but the raw data is enough to cause 
concern," says Hurley.

In March journalism students Kiira Saari and Alyn Bowering verbally 
surveyed 300 of the 740 students at WLSS about whether they had tried 
tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or cocaine.

They found that 237 of the students surveyed had tried alcohol; 138 had 
tried tobacco; 183 had tried marijuana; and 36 had tried cocaine. Only 51 
students said they had not tried any of the drugs.

Since the survey was random and conducted verbally there was a risk of 
duplication, and the possibility that some students were bragging to 
impress their peers, says Hurley.

But the results were sufficiently disturbing that Hurley decided to offer 
an assignment for a second survey using more sophisticated research techniques.

Grade 12 student Sarah Harwood and Grade 10 student Frances Enyedy accepted 
the challenge.

Except for cocaine use, which was considerably less, results of their 
research were very similar to the first verbal survey.

"We mostly knew already what it was like," says Harwood. "Now it is out in 
the open. Most kids do drink and smoke pot."

Enyedy adds: "I hope this doesn't cause a big uproar, it is common 
knowledge to the kids."

For their study Enyedy and Harwood developed a detailed questionnaire, then 
distributed it during class time so that students could fill it out 
anonymously and without any pressure.

Concerted efforts were also made to reach all grade levels and an equal 
number of boys as girls.

"We managed to collect 315 credible questionnaires. Several were weeded out 
( no pun intended) into our BS file for those who suggested they get high 
on crack and weed every day of the week," Harwood said in their report.

Their survey results indicated that 235 of the students surveyed had tried 
alcohol while 80 students had not tried the drug.

A total of 175 students said they had tried marijuana and 140 students said 
they had not used the drug.

Seven students indicated that they had tried cocaine.

Results of the Enydy/Harwood survey on tobacco use were not included in The 
Grapevine and are now inaccessible because floors at the school are being 
refinished.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens