NCJ Number
224772
Date Published
October 2008
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This report presents key trend findings across four cycles (2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007) of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), which questions Pennsylvania’s secondary school students on their alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use; antisocial behaviors; and risk and protective factors.
Abstract
In 2007, nearly all PAYS ATOD prevalence rates were down among youth compared to rates from previous PAYS administrations, especially compared to 2001. In 2001, 40.5 percent of the 12th graders reported that they were willing to try marijuana; whereas, 28.6 percent of youth respondents reported this in 2007. In 2001, 20.9 percent of the 10th graders statewide reported binge drinking (having five or more drinks in a row in the past 2 weeks); in 2007, the binge-drinking rate for 10th graders dropped to 16.8 percent. In 2005, 16.6 percent of high school seniors surveyed reported using prescription narcotics at some time in their life, which is a good measure of experimentation. In 2007, only 12.1 seniors reported the use of prescription narcotics. In 2001, 21.4 percent of 12th graders reported driving after alcohol use; in 2007, this had dropped to 17.8 percent. Similar trends existed for driving after marijuana use. Regarding antisocial behaviors, in 2007, many key antisocial behaviors’ prevalence rates were down compared to rates from previous PAYS administrations; however, there was a slight upward trend in youth belonging to gangs. On the other hand, fewer youth were threatened or attacked on school property, and fewer youth reported gambling for money in the past year. Regarding risk and protective factors for ATOD use and antisocial behaviors, Pennsylvania youth maintain significantly positive profiles. They are involved in their communities, have a strong belief in moral commitments, and oppose the use of alcohol and drugs. 30 tables