November 22, 1996

In its annual survey of drug use by junior and senior high school students, PRIDE CANADA (Parent Resources Institute for Drug Education) reported marked increases in use of all drug categories by students in grades 6 through 12 during the 1995-96 school year.

These findings are not unique. Similar trends have been reported by the Addiction Research Foundation in Ontario, as well as in the United States, where student drug use peaked in the late 70's followed by a steady decline through the 80's and into the early 90's, when an upswing took hold.

Despite these alarming trends, PRIDE said too many parents are sitting on the sidelines as teen drug use worsens.

Only one-fifth (18%) of the approximately 22, 000 students surveyed said their parents talk to them frequently about the dangers of drug use. Over two-fifths (43%) said their parents do not set clear rules regularly. And more than half (55%) said they are not disciplined routinely when they break the rules.

Yet the study showed that parental involvement could significantly deter drug use, even among older teenagers. In a PRIDE USA study representing nearly 200,000 students, drug use declined sharply among students whose parents frequently discussed drugs with them. Among high schoolers whose parents "never" talk about drugs, 34% smoked marijuana, versus 24% who said their parents speak about drugs "a lot" -- a drop of 29%.

"The most effective drug prevention program in the world-parental intervention--is used far less than we thing", said Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh, PRIDE CANADA Board Member and Chief Researcher.

For every type of drug, and for every age, drug use was higher among students who reported little or no parental discussion. In most cases, the preventive effect seemed to be "dose-related". The more often parents spoke with their children, the less frequently their children used drugs.

Hindmarsh urges parents to tell their children that drug use in any form will not be tolerated. Expected disciplinary action should be clearly stated beforehand and should be applied if a violation occurs.

As students get older, parents are far less likely to admonish them about the problems of drugs. In the sixth grade, for instance 37% of the students said their parents discuss drugs "often" or "a lot". That number fell nearly two thirds, to 14% among twelfth graders.

However, studies show that while a few children first use drugs in elementary and junior high school years, most drug use begins during high school years. In the 1995-96 PRIDE CANADA survey, most of the 43% of twelfth graders who smoked marijuana in the past year said they initiated the drug use during high school years at ages 14-17.

"Parents need to speak to children about drugs when they are young. But a constant dialogue should continue throughout adolescence and that isn't happening", Hindmarsh said.

Among other major findings:

Alcohol, especially beer, continues to be the drug of choice for all students with more than two thirds (69%) reporting use within the last year.

On the basis of annual use, sharp increases were found since 1991 for cigarettes (33 to 52%), marijuana (13 to 34%), cocaine (1.7 to 6.1%), uppers (2.4 to 8.8%), downers (1.9 to 6%), and hallucinogens (3.8 to 12.6%).

Males reported using more drugs than females and more often with the exception of cigarettes, wine and hard liquor. Although more girls reported using wine and hard liquor, males reported heavier use of these drugs.

One in three high school seniors smoke marijuana.

Marijuana use increased dramatically. More than one-third of high school seniors (34%) smoked marijuana in the past year and almost one quarter (23%) smoked monthly. Annual use of marijuana was the highest ever recorded by PRIDE CANADA. PRIDE's data indicate that of those who smoke marijuana, one quarter (26%) get "very high" or "bombed". Coincidentally, marijuana use has increased along with cigarette use.

 

Causes for the dramatic increase in marijuana use since the early 90's are complex; yet students' attitudes and beliefs about drug use are cited as possible reasons.

Researchers have noted that fewer students perceive great risk in trying marijuana and fewer students are reporting strong disapproval in trying marijuana.

"Hard Drugs" show increases:

The so-called "hard drugs" -- cocaine and hallucinogens -- reached their highest levels of use among high school students since the 1988 school year.

Cocaine use has more than tripled since 1991 (1.7% to 6.1%) by students in grades 6 through 12. Hallucinogen use, like cocaine use, also increased by more than three fold since 1991 (from 3.8% to 12.6%).

Cigarette use at eight year high. In the eight years of the PRIDE survey, cigarette use reached its highest levels during the 1995-96 school year. More than half (52%) of students smoked at least once in the past year, compared with 33% in 1991. More girls than boys reported smoking cigarettes in the past year (54% vs 49%). Cigarette use was the only drug category where girls reported heavier use than boys (32% vs 29%).

In high School:

3% carried a gun to school, while 14% carried a knife to school

35% threatened to harm another student or teacher at school

32% have been in trouble with the police

8% have seriously thought about suicide

14% took part in gang-related activities

 

Methodology: The study was conducted during the 1995-96 school year, and involved

22,308 students from three provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia). The PRIDE survey represents data from sixth through twelfth grade students conducted between September and June of the school year. Participating schools are sent the PRIDE Questionnaire with explicit instructions for administering the anonymous, self-report instrument. Schools that administer the PRIDE Questionnaire do so voluntarily, or in compliance with a school district request.