Study: Teens Not Pressured to Use DrugsAugust 8, 2003
Research Summary
The latest "State of Our Nation's Youth" survey finds that most teens are not pressured to use drugs and enjoy spending time with their families, despite popular beliefs to the contrary, CNN reported Aug. 6.The study involved 1,055 high-school students ages 14 to 18 who took part in a telephone survey in April and May.
According to the research, less than 10 percent of the high-school students surveyed said being pressured to use drugs is a major problem.
The study also found that nearly 75 percent of the students get along well with their parents or guardians. Most teens said they would rather spend their free time with their families than relaxing with friends, playing sports, or any other activity.
"Hanging out with your family, that's not a bad thing anymore," said survey participant Anya Edun, who is attending the University of Miami this fall. "When you're with family, you are participating in sports, or playing family games. And honestly, when I call my friends on the weekend, they'll say, 'I, too, am going out to dinner with family.'"
The study found that teens put family members high on their list of role models, with entertainers and athletes far behind.
Peter Hart, whose company produced the report issued by the Horatio Alger Association, said the study's findings should serve as a warning for busy parents.
"The kids who are in high school are telling parents, 'We're listening to you, we care about what you think, and we'd like to spend more time with you,'" Hart said.
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