Use of Illegal Drugs Over a quarter of youth used illegal drugs in the six months prior to the survey. One in ten youth reported being involved in unwanted sexual activity by an older person. Youth need support and guidance when exploring their options . . . Discussions with young people need to start early. Youth are faced with choices about risks at an early age and they need support during that period to make good choices.
Many factors affecting the lives of boys and girls are different.
Risk behaviours differ for boys and girls as does their reasons for taking risks. Programs need to address these differences and the issues of real concern to both boys and girls. Parents have a strong influence on the lives of young people. Young people are less likely to take risks if their parents know where they are when they are not at home, if parents understand them, and if they have helpful adults in their lives. Many young people would like to talk to their parents about the issues in their lives, but don't feel they can do so.