Pennsylvania Middle School Youth Study Shows Prevention Starts at Home
In May and June of 2001, Drug Free Pennsylvania conducted a statewide survey of Pennsylvania middle school students. Nearly 3,500 public and parochial students in grades six, seven, and eight were interviewed. Key findings included:
- Students find talking with adults about drugs and alcohol valuable – 82% of those surveyed considered discussions about drugs as helpful, while 86% said discussions about alcohol are helpful.
- When adults in the home talk with them regularly about drug and alcohol use, students said the likelihood of them using drugs and alcohol decreases.
- Pennsylvania middle school students’ use of various drugs – including cocaine, crack, ecstasy, marijuana and inhalants – is far below national averages.
- The good news is that Drug Free Pennsylvania anti-drug messages are getting across – 56% said commercials made them more aware of the risks of using drugs.