Drug Use Amongst Young People in England Decreases According to New Data
New data released today shows a significant decrease in the number of 11-15 year olds in England who have taken drugs. The data, which covers the period from 2014 to present, reveals a steep upward trend followed by a significant decline in recent years. This news has been welcomed by Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, director and founder of the drugs education charity the DSM Foundation.
“It’s so encouraging to see the numbers of 11-15 year olds in England who have taken drugs falling so significantly,” says Spargo-Mabbs. “After a steep upward trend from 2014 for the next few years, it would be great to think this was down to more of them getting the drug education they need. However, we know that the factors at work in decisions about drugs are very complex, and our work as a drug education charity is far from done.”
According to the data, 44% of 15 year olds had been offered drugs and around one in four had said yes at least once. There are also other trends of concern, such as the increased use of ketamine and magic mushrooms. As Spargo-Mabbs points out, it is vital that every young person knows how to handle decisions about drugs safely when they come around for them.
“Effective, evidence-based drug education remains essential,” says Spargo-Mabbs.
The DSM Foundation, a drug education charity, was established in 2014 following the death of 16 year old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The Spargo-Mabbs family felt that Daniel simply did not know enough to be able to make decisions that would keep him safe. They also realized there was a huge gap in the resources and support available to schools. In order to spare other families from experiencing the same tragedy, they set up the charity.
The aim of the DSM Foundation is to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up to date and evidence-based information about drugs. This is to help them develop the skills to make choices that will keep themselves and their friends as safe as possible. The charity works in schools, colleges and community organizations with children and young people. They also provide workshops for parents and caregivers, and training for professionals working with young people, such as teachers.
Schools and colleges can also access “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die”, a verbatim play by Mark Wheeller. It was commissioned by the charity to tell Daniel’s story in the words of his family and friends. The play is sometimes studied due to it being a GCSE Drama set text on the Eduqas syllabus. Schools and colleges can also download age-appropriate, relevant, up to date and evidence-based drugs education lesson resources free of charge from the DSM Foundation website for delivery by teachers through PSHE/PSE provision.
For more information about the DSM Foundation, please visit https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/.
Media enquiries about this press release or the work of the DSM Foundation should be directed to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.