An annual survey released last week found drug use by Indiana middle and high school students to be going down. The Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University reported on results of a voluntary survey of more than 150,000 students at 448 public and private schools.
The researchers found alcohol and cigarette use dropping or holding steady for students in grades 6 through 12.
The survey also found that kids were generally older when they experimented with the so-called “gateway” drugs of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. The average age of first use was 12.7 for cigarettes, 13 for alcohol and 13.8 for marijuana.
The survey found fewer students reporting the use of methamphetamine this year than last. The researchers said the trend for meth use either held steady or declined at all grade levels.
Still, the news wasn’t all good.
The survey showed an increase in the percentage of high school students using smokeless tobacco. About 1.5 percent of ninth-graders used smokeless tobacco daily in 2001, compared to 1.9 percent in 2008. About 2.9 percent of high school juniors used smokeless tobacco in 2001, compared to 3.6 percent this year.
One tidbit that should be of particular interest to parents is this: Asked where they were finding that first sip of alcohol, most of the younger teens reported they were finding it at home. In other words, they were filching it from Mom and Dad.
Perhaps the parents of teenagers should be keeping a closer eye on the liquor cabinet.
Here’s a scary number: 28 percent of teenagers surveyed said they had ridden in a car driven by someone who had been using alcohol or drugs.
Here’s another one: The survey found an increase in the use of injection drugs such as heroin. Grades 10 and 12 reported all-time highs for using needle drugs monthly: 1.2 percent for both seniors and sophomores.
All in all, the news from the survey was good, offering some hope that the message is getting through to teenagers that drugs and alcohol can be dangerous. Clearly, though, we have a long way to go.
Parents are the best weapon against teenage drug abuse. Have a talk with your kids today.
– Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, and Kokomo Tribune
Opinion
Promising signs; still more to do
- Opinion
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Dog days can threaten dogs
Central Indiana felt the heat this Memorial Day weekend. Afternoon temperatures were in the mid-90s, and heat indices made it feel even warmer.
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Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.
Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.
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Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
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Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.
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Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
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