Substance Use, Safety and School Climate in Idaho, 1998.

This report details the results of the 1998 Idaho Substance Use and School Climate Survey, conducted by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory for the Idaho Department of Education. Sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade students were asked about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, as well as about their perceptions of the school environment, safety at school, and related safety issues. Results show that prevalence rates for use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco by Idaho public school students were substantially lower than the national average across grade levels. Alcohol, drug, and tobacco use rose dramatically from sixth to tenth grade. At each grade level, there was very little change in alcohol use from the 1996 survey to the 1998 survey in the number of students reporting moderate or high alcohol use. Light to occasional drinking was lower in 1998 and abstinence was higher. From 1996 to 1998 drug use dropped significantly among sixth and eighth grade students. Rates for all drugs at all grade levels were down slightly, with lifetime prevalence of use of stimulants, marijuana, hallucinogens, depressants, and inhalants in eighth graders being significantly lower. From 1996 to 1998 rates of teen smoking and use of smokeless tobacco declined. The number of students reporting carrying weapons to school dropped from 1996 to 1998, while gang membership remained stable. High school seniors reporting driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also decreased. An appendix provides survey data statewide and by region. (Contains 33 tables.) (MKA)