And the survey says ... Hoosier teenagers are making better decisions.
The 24th annual Survey of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use by Indiana Children and Adolescents by the Indiana Prevention Resource Center — within the Indiana University School of Public Health — noted a 21-year trend continues with less Hoosier teenagers smoking and drinking.
About 30 percent of high school seniors drink alcohol at least once a month, compared with more than 50 percent in 1993, according to this year’s survey. Also, the survey found 13.2 percent of all Indiana youth smoke monthly, compared with the 15.7 percent national average.
We know that smoking is a health risk. And, over time, there has been increased enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products and alcohol to minors. But, more importantly, education efforts have led teenagers to recognize that smoking is unhealthy.
The survey offered plenty of good news when it comes to the behaviors of our teenagers.
• Indiana students reported being less depressed and thinking of suicide less than the national average.
• Overall, methamphetamine use is decreasing since the question was first asked in 2005. Use for students in grades eight and 10 are now lower than the national rates. Yet, unfortunately, the rate for seniors is higher than the national average.
• Rates of prescription drug abuse have decreased for students in grades six, eight, nine and 10, and monthly use has decreased for students in grades 11 and 12.
But, with the good news, comes a slice of bad news.
• The survey found the number of students who had parents who served jail or prison time was significant.
• Use of marijuana increased for high school seniors, but decreased for ninth-grade students.
Teens are vulnerable to taking unhealthy and unwise risks. Education is key to prevention. The state of Indiana, as well as parents and educators, must continue efforts to inform students of the dangers of substance abuse, including discussions about methamphetamine use and production.
But beyond that, we also must empower our youths with the support necessary to stand their ground and resist participating in dangerous and unhealthy ventures.