Abstract
Background: The empirical evidence on drug use shows that the earlier drug use begins the greater the risk of the user becoming a regular user. This can then increase the likelihood of progression to regular use and associated behaviour.
Aims: To investigate the likelihood of school aged children and young people using cannabis before the age of 16 years.
Method: The data presented is taken from the first stage of the Belfast Youth Development Study when the study cohort were aged 11 to 16 years.
Results: The findings show the risk of children and young people using cannabis at least once by the age of 16 years.
Conclusions: Higher levels of risk are placing many school aged children and young people at risk to health and social problems associated with a drug using lifestyle at an early age.
Aims: To investigate the likelihood of school aged children and young people using cannabis before the age of 16 years.
Method: The data presented is taken from the first stage of the Belfast Youth Development Study when the study cohort were aged 11 to 16 years.
Results: The findings show the risk of children and young people using cannabis at least once by the age of 16 years.
Conclusions: Higher levels of risk are placing many school aged children and young people at risk to health and social problems associated with a drug using lifestyle at an early age.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the NIBPS 2009 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- cannabis use
- school
- addiction risk
- drug using lifestyle