By Tony O’Reilly-
The prevalence of cannabis use among teenagers in the UK is becoming an epidemic, with very young children smoking strong weed as freely as people smoke cigarettes, without a care in the world.
The habit has become a fashion among school children, many of whom are happy to use their pocket money to get high with their friends.
Cannabis is used by youths for recreational purposes, eventually developing into a tool to address boredom.
Research shows that hundreds of adolescents feel compelled to fit in with their social groups and experiment with cannabis to gain acceptance or to avoid feeling left out. There is more research about teenagers underway.
The desire to conform and be seen as “cool” can exert a powerful influence on young individuals, leading them to engage in risky behaviours such as cannabis use.
Low self-esteem is another factor a number of teenagers have admitted drove them towards cannabis use. ”Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and individuals with low self-esteem may turn to substances like cannabis as a means of coping with their insecurities, one female teenager of 16 called Sharon from Brentwood of said.
”I started smoking sat 14 in order to be accepted because I didn’t feel pretty enough. I also felt inferior to some of my friends whose parents got them better birthday and christmas presents than me.
Everyone’s issue of insecurity is different, I know some of my pretty friends who started smoking because they don’t have their dad in their lives.
Many of the guys won’t admit it, but its usually one thing or the other. Not feeling cool enough or being insecure about their genetics or financial position. Wanting to be respected”
Cannabis use can provide temporary relief or escape from negative emotions and social pressures, creating a false sense of confidence or belonging., 18 year old non smoking, A level student Leon Adam told this publication.
30 % of 200 teenagers surveyed between the ages of 13 and 16 revealed that parental influence had contributed to their cannabis use.
Over half of those same teens who smoke regularly admitted that peer pressure was the primary reason they smoke. If parents are regular cannabis smokers, their behaviour may normalize the substance in the eyes of their children.
All smokers surveyed said it gave them a sense of belonging among their peers, and made them feel a lot more accepted.
Almost all cannabis smokers also smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol on a daily basis, with a very small percentage (5%) of them said they smoked the drug occasionally about three times a week.
95% of cannabis smokers claimed to smoke everyday, revealing this with a sense of pride like it was an honour that made them important.
Cannabis teen smokers are also very sexually active the sex department, with 73 % of teenagers saying they had already had sex, with 65% of them saying they were sexually active.
Of those who said they were sexually active, 45 % of them said they do not use protection or encourage their partners to do so, though over half of them said their parents were aware they were sexually active, but do not make a fuss about them using protection.
The findings reveal the state of teenagers in the Uk, and call for wider discussions with teens about the way they develop.
Most of the teens spoken to said they were unplanned and had no male figure in their lives.
Teenagers who grow up in an environment where cannabis use is prevalent said they always perceived it to be a socially acceptable and harmless activity. Parental behaviour and attitudes towards cannabis play a crucial role in shaping a teenager’s perspective on drug use.
Impact on Academic Performance
Cannabis use among teenagers has been linked to various negative effects on academic performance. Regular cannabis use can impair cognitive function, memory, and attention span, which can directly impact a student’s ability to concentrate and retain information.
Research has shown that heavy cannabis use during adolescence can lead to a decline in academic achievement, increased absenteeism, and lower overall educational attainment.
The effectiveness of cannabis education in schools remains a subject of debate. While some educational institutions provide comprehensive drug education programs, others may lack sufficient emphasis on cannabis-related topics.
It is essential to provide accurate and evidence-based information about cannabis, including its potential risks and consequences, to equip teenagers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
Adequate education can help dispel misconceptions, address peer pressure, and provide support for those struggling with low self-esteem.
Cannabis use among teenagers in the UK is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including peer pressure, low self-esteem, and parental influence.
The impact of cannabis use on academic performance can be detrimental, with potential long-term consequences for educational attainment.
While schools play a crucial role in educating teenagers about cannabis, there is a need for consistent and comprehensive drug education programs that address the specific risks associated with cannabis use.
By understanding and addressing these factors, society can work towards minimizing the prevalence of cannabis use among teenagers and promoting healthier choices for their overall well-being.
According to the latest statistics, cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit drug among teenagers in the UK.
A study conducted by the National Health Service (NHS) in 2020 found that approximately 16% of 15 to 19-year-olds in England reported using cannabis in the past year.
Furthermore, the 2021 Crime Survey for England and Wales revealed that around 8% of 16 to 24-year-olds reported using cannabis in the last month.
Cannabis Use During School Breaks and Evenings at Home
Our research also found that teenagers in many schools engage in cannabis use during school breaks, which can have detrimental effects on their academic performance and overall well-being. Similarly, some teenagers smoke cannabis in the evenings at home as a form of recreational activity or to cope with stress.
The practise contributes to the normalization and regularity of cannabis use among teenagers.
Parental Control
Parents can play a vital role in controlling the spread of cannabis use among teenagers, researcher and education aanalyst Joshua Hopwood said.
”Engaging in open and honest conversations about the risks and consequences of cannabis use and encouraging dialogue and creating a safe space for teenagers to discuss their concerns can be very helpful.
”Parents are encouraged to set boundaries, by establishing clear rules and expectations regarding substance use, including cannabis and enforcing consequences if these boundaries are violated.
”Parents should act as positive role models by refraining from cannabis use themselves and demonstrating responsible behavior. Consistency between what parents say and what they do is crucial.
”Provide accurate and evidence-based information about cannabis, its potential risks, and legal implications. Encourage teenagers to critically evaluate the information they come across and make informed decisions.
A number of teenagers are being filmed for discussing their view of cannabis.