Teen Britain: The shocking truth
- From: ano457@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: 26 Nov 2005 20:23:23 -0800
Teen Britain: The shocking truth
Exclusive report reveals the crisis among teenagers caused by their
growing addiction to drink and drugs. Experts warn of 'health time
bomb' as ministers consider forcing GPs to report under-age sex to
police and social workers
By Jonathan Thompson and Marie Woolf
Published: 27 November 2005
Teenagers are facing what medical experts warn is "a mental health time
bomb" caused by the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
New figures show that the use of drink and drugs has become common
among children as young as 13, with one expert saying alcohol, cocaine
and marijuana are "as ubiquitous as traffic on the streets".
Doctors and counsellors say that record numbers of stressed-out
adolescents are becoming addicts as they struggle to cope with the
trauma of family break-up, exam pressures and the ever-growing
obsession with body image.
The use of drink and drugs is also fuelling a growing problem of sex
among young teenagers. Ministers are now considering forcing doctors to
breach confidentiality with young patients if they believe they are
having under-age sex.
72% Alcohol
The proportion of 14-year-olds who have drunk alcohol. Almost half of
all 13-year-olds have also tried it. Mental health experts say people
drinking at that age are four times more likely to become alcoholics
36% Drugs
The proportion of 15-year-olds who have tried cocaine or cannabis.
Addiction experts say there is clear evidence that young people using
drugs are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders in later
life
32% Sex
The proportion of 15-year-olds who have had sexual intercourse, with
more than one in 10 saying they felt pressured into it by peers.
Doctors say the trend is fuelling an explosion in sexually transmitted
diseases
25% Suicide
The proportion of girls aged 15 who have considered killing themselves
or indulged in significant attempts at self-harm. Almost one in 10
blamed bullying and violence for their low self-esteem and depression
Teenagers are facing what medical experts warn is "a mental health time
bomb" caused by the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
New figures show that the use of drink and drugs has become common
among children as young as 13, with one expert saying alcohol, cocaine
and marijuana are "as ubiquitous as traffic on the streets".
Doctors and counsellors say that record numbers of stressed-out
adolescents are becoming addicts as they struggle to cope with the
trauma of family break-up, exam pressures and the ever-growing
obsession with body image.
The use of drink and drugs is also fuelling a growing problem of sex
among young teenagers. Ministers are now considering forcing doctors to
breach confidentiality with young patients if they believe they are
having under-age sex.
72% Alcohol
The proportion of 14-year-olds who have drunk alcohol. Almost half of
all 13-year-olds have also tried it. Mental health experts say people
drinking at that age are four times more likely to become alcoholics
.
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