MORE KIDS SMOKING POT AND CIGARETTES, REPORT SAYS

But Substance Abuse Rates Remain Below State Average

More teenagers at Somerville High are smoking cigarettes and
marijuana, but the rate of kids who do so is still below statewide
averages, according to the results of a recently released survey of
1,125 Somerville teens.

There was no change in the rate of alcohol use between 2006 and 2008
and the number of local kids who drink alcohol remains below the state
average. Marijuana use increased, with 21 percent of kids saying they
tried the drug. However, the recent numbers are below the peak 2002
level of 28 percent and the state average.

More Somerville kids are smoking marijuana than cigarettes, according
to the study. Fifteen percent of kids said they smoked cigarettes.

Somerville Cares About Prevention worked in collaboration with the
Health Department, the School Department and the Cambridge Health
Alliance (CHA) to develop the anonymous survey. The survey focused on
issues such as substance abuse, violence and safety, and physical and
mental health. The results showed substance abuse in Somerville below
state averages.

"This survey is an important tool for SCAP, the public schools, CHA
and our other community partners that allows us to evaluate our
current policies and to develop new ways of reaching Somerville
youth," said Acting SCAP Director Corey Mashburn. "While the results
of this survey are very important to our ongoing prevention and
intervention efforts, it is important to note that there are
incredibly positive aspects to adolescent life. Over the past several
years we have seen a marked increase in youth involvement in our city
and I look forward to working with the many youth organizations
throughout the city in the coming months and years."

The anonymous and confidential survey was administered in February of
2008 to all public school students in grades 9 to 12.