Children in Rotherham are using cannabis and vaping at rates significantly higher than the national average, according to a recent survey conducted by Rotherham Council. The research, involving over 4,600 responses from students across all 16 secondary schools in the town, revealed that 10% of respondents had tried drugs, including 90 students aged just 11 or 12. Among those who reported drug use, the most common substances were solvents, cocaine, and magic mushrooms.
Cannabis use was particularly concerning, with more than a third of the 360 students who answered questions on the subject admitting to having used the drug in the past 30 days – a stark contrast to the 10% national average. Regular vaping was also alarmingly high, with 33% of respondents saying they vaped at least three times in the previous month, compared to just 10% nationally. The survey showed that since 2017, the proportion of Year 10 pupils vaping regularly has nearly doubled.
The study included inputs from home-educated children and those in pupil referral units, offering a broader insight into the issue. These findings underscore a growing concern about substance use among young people in Rotherham, and both the council and campaign group Action on Smoking and Health have been approached for comment on the troubling trends.
Parents and teachers in Rotherham are worried about how easily children can get harmful substances. The survey shows how important it is to provide better support and education to keep young people safe and healthy.
Source: BBC News
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