NCJ Number
169239
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This chapter reports on a study that investigated the drug use and attitudes of 12,292 children, teens and parents.
Abstract
The 1996 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study found significant erosion in antidrug attitudes and more 9- to 12-year-olds using illicit drugs, particularly marijuana. The normalization of illicit drugs that has occurred among teenagers is now trickling down to younger children. The study showed that today's 4th, 5th and 6th graders are less likely to consider drugs harmful and risky; more likely to believe drug use is widespread and acceptable; more report having friends who use illicit drugs; fewer report receiving information about the dangers of drugs from school, TV shows and commercials, news, movies and friends; and fewer report knowing what to do if someone offers them drugs. Children continue to cite parents as a reliable source of information about the dangers of drugs. Research shows that regular communication with children about drugs, carefully listening to what they know and feel about drugs, is one of the most effective ways to reduce drug involvement among children. Tables