Understanding the scale and impact of underage drug use is vital for anyone supporting young people across the UK. Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, recently raised a Parliamentary Question, prompting the release of new statistics that highlight shifts in drug use among young people. Minister of State for the Home Department, Diana Johnson, has shared an in-depth response on current UK drug trends, using the latest major national surveys and detailing the actions taken by the government and law enforcement.

Assessing Underage Drug Use Across the UK

When exploring underage drug use and broader UK drug trends, it is important to look at detailed data from across all nations and age groups. Mr Shannon’s question to the Home Department focused on the most recent evidence regarding the prevalence of drug use among those under 25, to help direct efforts in keeping young people safe and setting effective policy.

Minister Johnson’s answer brings together a range of trusted sources, ensuring a robust understanding of the trends we are seeing in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Latest National Estimates for Youth Drug Use

Three major national statistics programmes inform current levels of underage drug use and related UK drug trends.

Crime Survey for England and Wales

• For the year ending March 2024, 16.5% of 16-24 year olds in England and Wales reported using a drug in the last 12 months. This equates to approximately 971,000 people.
• The prior year, the survey indicated a higher rate of 17.6% (1,035,000 people), showing a small but significant decrease.
• This recent fall suggests there has been progress in shaping healthier environments and making early interventions for this group.

Scottish Health Survey

• The Scottish Health Survey 2023 found that 26% of those aged 16-24 in Scotland reported drug use in the last year, up from 22% in 2021.
• Scotland’s figures are notably higher than those for England and Wales, with a concerning rise since the last survey, demonstrating regional differences that require focused attention.

Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England

• Among children aged 11-15 in England, 9% reported taking a drug in the last year in 2023. This marks a downward trend from 12% in 2021.
• The reduction among younger children points towards the effectiveness of prevention and resilience-building measures targeting early adolescence.

Regional Differences in Underage Drug Use

Reviewing the data from England, Scotland, and Wales reveals important variations in underage drug use rates:

• Young people in Scotland show the highest recorded prevalence in the UK, with clear recent increases.
• England and Wales have reported a slight reduction among both older (16-24) and younger (11-15) cohorts.
• These differences highlight the need for tailored regional responses to effectively address local UK drug trends.

Government Response to Rising and Falling Trends

Minister Diana Johnson reassures the public of the government’s continued commitment to tackle both underage drug use and broader drug-related harm. The new data supports a two-pronged approach:

1. Building Long-Term Resilience & Prevention

Authorities are proactively supporting children and young people to strengthen their resilience and prevent them from being drawn into criminal or other risky behaviours. Building resilience early, especially for those known to be at greater risk, remains central to sustainable harm prevention.

The government is also awaiting the next report from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), which will present the most recent evidence on “whole system” approaches for preventing underage drug use. This report is expected to offer valuable insight into what works to keep young people safe and help prevent the escalation of use, particularly towards more harmful substances or dependency.

2. Cracking Down on County Lines and Drugs Supply

County lines drug trafficking is recognised as one of the most violent forms of drug supply, where young people are especially vulnerable to exploitation by organised crime groups. Minister Johnson highlights the ongoing efforts under the County Lines Programme as a clear example of targeted intervention against this threat:

• Since July 2024, policing activity has led to more than 400 county lines being closed.
• Over 200 deal line holders have been arrested and charged, disrupting supply networks at their source.
• There have been 500 arrests and 800 safeguarding referrals for children and vulnerable people associated with county lines operations.
• More than 260 children and young people have received specialist support via the county lines support service.

These figures underscore a serious and sustained response to the risks posed by organised drug supply networks, with a clear goal of keeping children and young people out of harm’s way.

Why Evidence-Based Prevention Matters

Developing effective responses to underage drug use and UK drug trends depends on robust, up-to-date evidence. The use of multi-source statistical monitoring and forthcoming recommendations from the ACMD will guide future policy and direct practical support to where it makes the most difference.

Efforts to safeguard young people must remain dynamic, adapting both to the falling rates in some age groups and the emerging challenges presented by increases seen in others. The government continues to invest in prevention, early intervention, and breaking the link between young people and criminal exploitation.

Source: dbrecoveryresources