NCJ Number
153708
Date Published
1992
Length
48 pages
Annotation
The Minnesota Student Survey was developed in order to get an accurate picture of students' perspectives, identify problems confronting students, assist educators and parents with responding to young people's needs, and to monitor the effectiveness of prevention programs.
Abstract
The survey focused on changes among high school students, based on responses to the survey obtained in 1989 and 1992 in these areas: family structure, race and ethnicity, favorite activities, alcohol and other drug use, tobacco use, consequences of alcohol and other drug use, use patterns and attitudes, antisocial behaviors, emotional health, suicide attempts, weight control, feelings about the family, family violence, family alcohol and other drug problems, sexual abuse, students' concerns, sexual activity, and prevention efforts. The survey found that the respondents, in grades 6, 9, and 12, reported using less alcohol and other drugs than those responding in 1989 and taking fewer chances with unsafe sexual behavior. In 1992, students not using alcohol or other drugs also had less tolerant attitudes toward others' use. Many more students cited their parents as sources of information about alcohol, drugs, sex, and AIDS than in the 1989 survey. The results also demonstrated the success of school and community prevention efforts.