Children's opinions and knowledge on drug abuse

Abstract

Drug abuse is a very actual and present problem in our society. Misconceptions and the wrong information can only lead to an increase of this problem. This study is an attempt to give insight into pre-adolescent's opinions and knowledge on drug abuse. The data can be used to formulate the content of various drug prevention programmes which need to be specific to the age group being targeted (Mac Donald 1984). Newcombe and Bentler (1989) regard any substance of abuse, used at least once, to be substance abuse in this age group. The answers differed between the genders however the lack of education and misinformation were clearly highlighted in the findings. A confidential questionnaire, was used to collect the data.

No information as regards specific drugs and their effects was given. This was done to protect the children. Instead the children were asked to name the drugs and to write down what they thought their effects were. The author recommends that this age group should be included in drug prevention programmes and that the best place to do so is in schools (as school education is compulsory in Malta). The author also recommends that children's queries as regards this area be dealt with and that any request for explanation, help or otherwise, be included in any drug prevention programmes.