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20/02/04 - Young People in Cumbria concerned about their Health

A comprehensive survey of the health related behaviour of 9 - 15 year olds across the county has recently been completed.  Whilst there are positive signs in Cumbria such as a decline in smoking amongst boys, there are also national concerns mirrored in Cumbria, which include an increase in drinking by teenage girls.

This survey, carried out in partnership with Cumbria Healthy Schools Team, Cumbria Drug Action Team and The Primary Care Trusts is part of a wider commitment to address the current and future needs of young people in Cumbria.

The 1,860 young people contributing to this research in Cumbria were keen to be consulted and the findings provide some challenges for us all.

  • 76% of teenage smokers want to give up and their family may be a more important influence than their peer group.
  • 47% of secondary age pupils have drunk alcohol in the last week.  Cumbria more report buying it in a pub or club than the UK average.
  • 25% of secondary age pupils have been offered Cannabis.
  • Most parents have talked to their children about drugs but schools are the main source of sex education.
  • Drugs, sex and relationships and personal and social education is generally highly regarded by pupils in Cumbria, considerably more so than nationally.  

Alan Tarn, Drugs Education Co-ordinator, says

“The young people and schools involved have been eager to contribute to this consultation.  They are concerned about their health and want to be heard.  They look to the professional agencies in the county to use their views to deliver appropriate health services and design interventions which will support and enable young people to become more responsible for their health”.

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says

“I am very pleased that there are some positive signs of the effectiveness of our teaching programmes in Cumbria.  However, there are also several key issues that we still need to address both nationally and locally”.

Peter Rooney, Young People Co-ordinator for Cumbria Drug Action Team says

“Cumbria Drug Action Team will give careful consideration to the results from this comprehensive survey.  The data should prove invaluable in continuing to ensure that young people receive the help and support that they need”. 

For further information contact Alan Tarn, Drugs Education Co-ordinator, Cumbria Healthy Schools Team on 01768 242077 or 07968 545566