Research
Adolescents use medical marijuana intended for others
A study from one American city found that 121 out of 164 adolescents in treatment programmes had used medical marijuana prescribed for someone else, probably adults. Also worrying is that such adolescents began using marijuana regularly at a younger age, showed other problematic symptoms and were likely to see little or no risk in their marijuana use. The findings raise more questions about US legislation and the emerging issue of 'diverted medical marijuana'.
Links:
- Adolescents in Substance Abuse Treatment Report Using Someone Else's Medical Marijuana - Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, via Elsevier
Research
Smoking in the movies may influence kids to try cigarettes
This research shows that on-screen smoking may influence children to try cigarettes, regardless of the film’s type and age-rating. This is because smoking has a 'cool' factor and it might make children seem more 'movie-star', according to lead author, Dr. James Sargent. He recommends that young people's movie watching should be monitored and limited by parents until well into adolescence. The longitudinal study is based on data from initial contact with 6,522 children aged 10-14 and a selection from 500 recent hit movies. We have previously covered similar work on the association of adolescent binge drinking with movie watching.
Links:
Influence of Motion Picture Rating on Adolescent Response to Movie Smoking - Pediatrics
On-screen smoking may turn teens on to cigarettes - Reuters Health
Booze in the movies leads to adolescent binge drinking - Mentor Foundation
Policy
Australia set for graphic tobacco packets
The latest stage of the Australian tobacco packaging story ends with a court ruling rejecting tobacco company challenges. This newspaper article provides two fascinating pictures of proposed packets with very graphic health warnings, plain uniform format and only small standard brand labelling. Several other countries are following developments with interest.
Links:
Statistics
A global picture of harm reduction for young people
This two yearly update from Harm Reduction International maps major developments in policy and programme implementation from around the world. It is organised in regional sections but has a separate chapter, Excluding Youth? A Global Review of Harm Reduction Services for Young People
Links:
- Global State of Harm Reduction 2012 - Harm Reduction International
Research
Substance abuse more likely in adolescents believing in possibility of early death
Another possible predictor of risky behaviour such as drug abuse has been identified. Data from the large scale US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health suggest that young people who believe they might not live past 35 years of age are also more likely to make suicide attempts, drink heavily, use illicit drugs and take other risks. The study is published in the open access journal PLOS ONE.
Links:
Resources
Video resource on drinking and young people
This simple and straightforward 4-minute video on Youtube combines key statistics on young people's drinking with prevention messages, including advice for parents. Although based on data for Australia, the messages are universal and a potential source of ideas for others worldwide working in the prevention field.
Links:
- Young people, alcohol and preventing harm - VicHealthMedia
Mentor has not undertaken a thorough review of the resources mentioned as to their ultimate value and worth, however we welcome reader and user feedback.
Policy
Success for prevention regulation
Here's an example of positive prevention effects from relatively low-key government regulation. US States are required to keep sales of tobacco to under 18's below 20% or risk losing federal prevention and treatment grants. The Synar Amendment has been successful for the past six years and rates of illegal sales fell to an average of only 8.5% last year - the rate was 40% in 1997. Not only is smoking the leading cause of preventable death in the USA, but research has identified clear links between early smoking and an adult habit. Early tobacco use is also closely linked with the use of alcohol and illicit drugs.
Links:
- Tobacco Sales to Youth - SAMHSA