The Department of National Drug Control (DNDC) in Bermuda has released findings indicating a decline in alcohol and tobacco use among young individuals, while cannabis consumption continues to be more common among school-aged pupils.
Survey details and results
Conducted jointly by the DNDC and the Ministry of Education last October, the survey encompassed 2,701 children aged between 10 and 18.
Results unveiled on Monday showcased a notable shift, with 48.4 per cent of respondents admitting to drug use at least once in their lifetime, down from 52.8 per cent recorded in the previous survey conducted in 2019.
Emerging trends and interventions
Government officials underscored the dynamic nature of adolescent substance use, stressing the necessity for vigilant monitoring and targeted interventions to effectively address emerging trends.
Statistical insights
The survey revealed that 42 per cent of students had experimented with alcohol, 12.6 per cent had tried cannabis, and 3.5 per cent had smoked cigarettes.
In comparison to the 2019 figures of 45.2 per cent, 18.3 per cent, and 5.2 per cent respectively, this represents a notable decline in alcohol and tobacco use but a persistent prevalence of cannabis consumption.
Cannabis popularity and health perceptions
Significantly, almost 15 per cent of S4 students reported current cannabis use, contrasting sharply with less than two percent indicating cigarette smoking.
Moreover, cannabis consumption skewed higher among girls than boys, suggesting potential health-related factors influencing its popularity over tobacco.
Perceived health risks
The majority of students, accounting for 92 per cent, perceived frequent cigarette smoking as the most harmful behavior in terms of health risks, while 81.5 per cent viewed occasional marijuana use as harmful, according to government statements.
Accessibility and risky behaviors
Alarming statistics emerged regarding the accessibility of alcohol and marijuana. Roughly 10.4 per cent of students were offered marijuana, while 13.7 per cent were offered alcohol within the past 30 days preceding the survey.
Furthermore, findings indicated that a substantial proportion of respondents had been exposed to risky behaviors, such as riding with intoxicated drivers.
Nearly three in 10 students expressed curiosity about trying illegal drugs, with over one in five indicating a willingness to experiment if presented with the opportunity.
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