Data shows decrease in smoking and drug use among school children

Research by NHS Digital has shown a decrease in the number of school children taking drugs and smoking cigarettes.

However, the figures also show a rise in vaping, with nine per cent of 11 to 15 year olds using e-cigarettes. This is an increase of 6 per cent from 2018.

The research shows that cigarette smoking has decreased among this age group. 3 per cent of pupils currently smoke, which is down from five per cent in 2018. Furthermore 12 per cent of pupils reported having ever smoked, a decrease from 16% in 2018, and the lowest level ever recorded.

The Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England, 2021 report contains results from a biennial survey of secondary school pupils in England in years 7-11.

The report analyses the effect of Covid, including how often pupils met others outside of school and home. Those who met up frequently with others outside school or home were more likely to have recently smoked, drunk alcohol or taken drugs.

The report also investigated wellbeing; the respondents were asked about life satisfaction, happiness and anxiety.

The research showed that 57 per cent of young people who had recently smoked, drunk alcohol and taken drugs reported low levels of life satisfaction. 35 per cent of those who had done just one of those things experienced low levels of life satisfaction, compared to 18 per cent of those who had not done any of these things. 

The report also showed 46% of 15-year-old girls reported a low level of happiness, and 51% reported a high level of anxiety on the previous day.   

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