LOCAL TEENS HIGHEST IN SKIPPING, USING DRUGS

Drug Use Among Teens Is On The Rise In The Lower Mainland, Suggests A
Survey By Pacific Community Resources.

Two teen volunteer researchers from PCR appeared before Langley City
council to explain the results of the youth survey, which was conducted
within skate parks, city parks and bus stations in the GVRD.

PCR, a non-profit society for children, youth and families, surveyed nearly
2,000 youth in the Langley-Aldergrove, Vancouver, Delta, Surrey, Burnaby
and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows areas.

The results of the survey suggested there is a relationship between a
teen's school attendance and substance use.

While Delta students had the best record of attendance, Maple Ridge had the
largest number of kids skipping school and doing drugs. "Youth who are less
connected to school show the highest usage rates for most drugs," said the
report. "All drug types are readily available to youth within 24 hours.
Harder drugs were reported as more difficult to access in Delta."

In the survey, Langley teens fell in the middle of the pack.

The survey revealed that alcohol is still the most commonly used drug among
youth, with 58% reporting they had drank in the past 30 days.

Marijuana was the second most common used drug, at 42%. Speed, crystal
meth, cocaine and ecstasy use within the past 30 days is at 7% while heroin
is at 3%. Males are more likely to be current users, and the second highest
alcohol use rates is among the 18-year-olds.

The survey suggests that age of first-time users is clustered in "age
bands" and lends support to the idea that if you delay the age of use
beyond the peak use year, you increase the likelihood that the person will
not start using a substance.

Most teens said they get their information about drug and alcohol from TV
and movies.

The purpose of the survey, conducted by volunteer teen researchers, is to
provide information to those planning and delivering addiction services to
youth in the Lower Mainland.

It's also intended to assist with more effective planning for alcohol and
drug education and prevention.

Council members said they were very impressed with the survey and the work
done by Pacific Community Resources.

"This survey response is much more accurate because the people handing out
the survey were teens," said Langley City Mayor Marlene Grinnell. "I would
suggest you send a copy of the survey results to each school trustee or
send copies to the high schools."

Coun. Terry Smith offered to present it to the Lower Mainland Municipal
Association, of which he is a member. "The problem is each community tries
to solve its own problems. Sure we can fix Whalley, but where are those
people going to go? We need to work together," Smith said.