The more disposable income kids have, the more likely they are to use drugs, according to a report from the Australian National Council on Drugs.

The Melbourne Herald Sun reported March 26 that students who had AU$21-$60 in weekly disposable income were more likely to report past-year drug use than those who had less than AU$20 to spend weekly. And those with more than AU$60 week in disposable income were twice as likely to have used drugs than those with AU$20 or less to spend.

Researchers suggested that parents give their children less weekly pocket money -- approximately AU$1 for every year of their age. "We have known for a long time that children with a higher disposable income are more likely to try drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, simply because they can afford it," said adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg. "Parents should give pocket money to children in three lots: one lot to spend, one lot to save, and one lot to give to charity," he said.

"Once you have a framework, you can talk to children about what they shouldn't spend their money on. For example, teenagers should not be spending money on alcohol," agreed Joe Tucci of the Australian Childhood Foundation.