News (Media Awareness Project) - US AL: Study: Student Drug Use Below Average |
| Title: | US AL: Study: Student Drug Use Below Average |
| Published On: | 2003-09-04 |
| Source: | Hartselle Enquirer, The (AL) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-19 15:10:25 |
STUDY: STUDENT DRUG USE BELOW AVERAGE
A study conducted by Hartselle City Schools shows student use of tobacco,
alcohol and drugs slightly less than the national average.
Some 1,200 Hartselle students in grades six- 11 participated in the national
Pride Survey. The survey has some 216 questions and polls students on issues
such as use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
The results show the use of illegal substances to be slightly lower than the
national average. Results include:
a.. 21.6 percent of students said they had used cigarettes in the last year,
as compared to 24.9 percent nationally.
b.. 29 percent of Hartselle students said they have used beer within the
past year, as compared to 35 percent nationally.
c.. 14.3 percent of students said they had used marijuana in the past year,
as compared to 18 percent nationally.
d.. 3 percent of Hartselle students said they have used cocaine in the last
year, as compared to 3.4 percent nationally.
Copies of the Pride Report are available at Hartselle High, Hartselle Junior
High School and the board's Central Office.
While he would prefer none of the students use illegal substances, School
Board President Ronnie Abercrombie said he was glad Hartselle's averages
were below the national figures.
"We are very proud of our students" Abercrombie said.
Abercrombie also used the results to defend the board's decision to
implement system-wide drug testing.
"If we can prevent one student from participating in drugs, it's worth it,"
he said. "It's a lot cheaper to prevent than to rehabilitate."
The system spends some $30,000 a year on testing students. All students in
grades seven -12 who take part in extra-curricular activities, including
sports, are subject to drug testing.
According to the Central Office, 867 Hartselle High School students were
tested during the last school year with 17 positive results. Of the 17
positives, 11 were for nicotine and six for marijuana. Four-hundred and
nineteen students were tested at Hartselle Junior High School. No positive
results were reported at HJHS.
A study conducted by Hartselle City Schools shows student use of tobacco,
alcohol and drugs slightly less than the national average.
Some 1,200 Hartselle students in grades six- 11 participated in the national
Pride Survey. The survey has some 216 questions and polls students on issues
such as use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
The results show the use of illegal substances to be slightly lower than the
national average. Results include:
a.. 21.6 percent of students said they had used cigarettes in the last year,
as compared to 24.9 percent nationally.
b.. 29 percent of Hartselle students said they have used beer within the
past year, as compared to 35 percent nationally.
c.. 14.3 percent of students said they had used marijuana in the past year,
as compared to 18 percent nationally.
d.. 3 percent of Hartselle students said they have used cocaine in the last
year, as compared to 3.4 percent nationally.
Copies of the Pride Report are available at Hartselle High, Hartselle Junior
High School and the board's Central Office.
While he would prefer none of the students use illegal substances, School
Board President Ronnie Abercrombie said he was glad Hartselle's averages
were below the national figures.
"We are very proud of our students" Abercrombie said.
Abercrombie also used the results to defend the board's decision to
implement system-wide drug testing.
"If we can prevent one student from participating in drugs, it's worth it,"
he said. "It's a lot cheaper to prevent than to rehabilitate."
The system spends some $30,000 a year on testing students. All students in
grades seven -12 who take part in extra-curricular activities, including
sports, are subject to drug testing.
According to the Central Office, 867 Hartselle High School students were
tested during the last school year with 17 positive results. Of the 17
positives, 11 were for nicotine and six for marijuana. Four-hundred and
nineteen students were tested at Hartselle Junior High School. No positive
results were reported at HJHS.
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