Because younger teens may now see older students using alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, they may be tempted to try drugs too. Drug use goes up dramatically in the first year of middle school or junior high. By age 17, only 23 percent say their school is drug free.
Illegal drugs are widespread.
Two out of five middle school students and two out of three high school students know a friend or classmate who has used acid, cocaine, or heroin. Social marijuana use is extensive. Another study published in the January 2000 issue of the Journal of Health Economics reported that teens who smoke marijuana may be more than twice as likely to drop out of high school than their nonsmoking peers. Let your children know that you do not want them to drink, smoke, or use illicit drugs. These discussions may be easier if you first learn as much as you can about the effects of these substances.