Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2013
Source: Aurora, The (CN NF)
Copyright: 2013 The Aurora
Contact:  http://www.theaurora.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3219
Referenced: Newfoundland and Labrador 2012 Student Drug Use Survey
Note: Highlights Report: 
http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/Drug_Survey.pdf

STUDENT DRUG USE REPORT PROVIDES VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO YOUTH BEHAVIOUR

According to a 2012 Atlantic Student Drug Use Survey of junior and
high school students, almost half of the students surveyed in
Newfoundland and Labrador had not used any substances in the previous
year, a significant improvement from past survey results.

The findings from this survey will be used to inform policies,
programs and future campaigns, and will help to identify important
opportunities to create awareness and promote prevention of substance
use among youth.

"The survey results provide valuable insights into the behaviour of
youth, and although there are some encouraging trends, it is
imperative that we work with parents, schools and students, in
particular, to create awareness of the pitfalls of substance use,"
said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community
Services.

"Additionally, as the Christmas season approaches and alcohol and drug
use tends to increase, I encourage parents to speak with their
children about this very important issue."

The Atlantic Student Drug Use Survey is a self-reported and anonymous
survey of junior and high school students in Newfoundland and
Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Survey results indicate that alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use,
such as LSD, among youth in this province is at its lowest since 1996.
While cannabis usage remained the same, the age of first use was 14.2
years old, up from 13.5 years old in 2007. Students also reported
decreases in driving after alcohol and cannabis use.

"Even though there is a significant decrease in the use of substances,
there is always room for improvement in educating our children and
young people on the dangers of substance use and associated high risk
behaviours," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education.

Through health curriculum and Safe and Caring Schools initiatives we
will continue to promote healthy living among our students, as well as
offer resources and supports to students, parents and teachers."

A copy of the survey highlights report can be found at
www.gov.nl.ca/health/addictions/studentsurvey.html 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D