US Teens Adopting Anti-marijuana Attitude

American teens are adopting an increasingly anti-marijuana attitude, according to new findings from the 2003 Teens Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

Researchers suggest the figures show that teens are becoming increasingly aware of the risks of marijuana and are less likely to start using the drug. The report also shows a significant increase in teen exposure to anti-drug advertising since the inception of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign in 1998.

"We have been making significant progress in reducing youth drug use. The PATS survey reinforces earlier reports that showed an 11 percent drop in youth drug use. Teens are getting the right message about marijuana—this research shows many understand the risks associated with marijuana use," said John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. "We hope this growing awareness will keep teens from using marijuana themselves—and encourage them to take action when a friend is using."

According to the study, the percentage of teens who report exposure to anti-drug ads over the past five years has increased by 63 percent, from 32 percent (1998) to 52 percent (2003). In addition, the study shows a 65 percent increase in the teens who report having "learned a lot" about the risks of drugs from anti-drug ads (one in five teens in 1998 to one in three in 2003).

Since the launch of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign in 1998 and it's more recent effort to dispel common myths about marijuana, teens' perceptions of the risks of marijuana have significantly increased:

In 2003, 19 percent of teens perceived a great risk in using marijuana, compared to 16 percent in 1998.

Teens in 2003 were significantly more likely than in 1998 to say there is a "great risk" of getting in trouble with the law, losing their driver's license, missing out on the good things in life, not getting into a good college, becoming a dealer, acting stupidly and foolishly, getting depressed, becoming lazy, being lonely, becoming boring, getting hooked on marijuana, and driving dangerously.

The PATS study also shows a steady decline in teen marijuana use since 1998. Despite these reductions in youth drug use, marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug among youth.

According to the study, parents and peers continue to be a powerful influence on teens when it comes to preventing and stopping marijuana use:

Two-thirds of youth ages 13 to 17 say losing the respect of their family and friends is one of the main reasons they don't smoke marijuana or use other drugs.

Half of teens say there is "great risk" in losing their friends if they smoke marijuana.

Parents and peers can take early action to stop drug use—by asking questions, knowing how to identify the signs and symptoms of teen drug use, and by staying involved in their children's or friends' lives. Resources and information such as sample conversations, testimonials, and an assessment quiz are available for parents on TheAntiDrug.com and for teens on Freevibe.com. Parents can also call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1.800.788.2800 for free resources.