Drug Use Among 11-15 Year Olds in England on the Decline, According to Latest Statistics
London, Thursday 17 October, 2024 – The latest statistics on drug use among 11-15 year olds in England show a significant decline, according to Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, director and founder of the DSM Foundation, a drugs education charity. This comes as a positive development after a steep upward trend from 2014 for the next few years.
“It’s so encouraging to see the numbers of 11-15 year olds in England who have taken drugs falling so significantly,” comments Spargo-Mabbs. “While we would like to believe that this is a result of more young people receiving the drug education they need, we know that the factors influencing decisions about drugs are complex and our work as a drug education charity is far from done.”
The data reveals that 44% of 15 year olds have been offered drugs and around one in four have accepted at least once. There are also concerning trends, such as the increased use of ketamine and magic mushrooms. It is crucial that every young person knows how to make safe decisions when faced with drug use.
Spargo-Mabbs emphasizes the importance of effective, evidence-based drug education in this scenario.
Incorporated in 2014, the DSM Foundation was established after the tragic death of 16 year old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. His family realized that he lacked sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions about drugs, and recognized a significant gap in resources and support available to schools. This prompted them to set up the charity, with the aim of preventing other families from experiencing a similar loss.
The DSM Foundation is dedicated to providing young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up to date and evidence-based information about drugs. The goal is to equip them with the skills to make safe choices for themselves and their friends. The charity conducts workshops in schools, colleges and community organizations for children and young people, as well as providing training for professionals working with young people, such as teachers. Educational institutions also have access to “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die”, a verbatim play by Mark Wheeller commissioned by the charity to tell Dan’s story through the words of his family and friends. This play is also featured on the Eduqas syllabus for GCSE Drama. Schools and colleges can also download free, age-appropriate, relevant, up to date and evidence-based drugs education lesson resources from the DSM Foundation website for use in PSHE/PSE classes.
For more information about the DSM Foundation, please visit https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/.
Media inquiries regarding this press release or the work of the DSM Foundation should be directed to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.
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