NCJ Number
173200
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Changes in children's attitudes toward alcohol between ages 10 and 14 were studied by means of a questionnaire survey of 1,829 students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade in an urban school district in Pennsylvania.
Abstract
The questionnaire contained 45 questions on drug use, peer influence, attitudes, and general and demographic information. Information was collected on attitudes regarding beer, wine, other alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, and marijuana. Four percent of the 4th graders, 3 percent of the 5th graders, and 7 percent of the 6th graders reported drinking beer at least once a month. Fewer than 0.5 percent of the 4th graders reported smoking cigarettes at least once a month, compared to 0.7 percent of the 5th graders and 3.2 percent of the 6th graders. Students' perceptions regarding the general legitimacy of a substance was an important factor influencing both initial use and continued use. The majority of children replied negatively regarding the future use of all drugs, but the data clearly revealed that these attitudes weakened as children moved through the grades. Findings indicated the curriculum before the sixth grade may capitalize on the teacher's influence. In addition, the parents' opportunity to accentuate their particular standards for use should have been manifested before this stage of a child's development. Beyond the sixth grade and through high school, additional and more intensive programs are needed to bolster the weak influence of curriculum to help prevent the problems associated with alcohol and drug use. Additional recommendations, tables, and 18 references