Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and vaping use among Schuyler County students continued to decline in the county's latest youth survey, public health officials announced Wednesday.
The biennial survey is administered to students in grades 7 through 12 and measures substance use during the previous 30 days and year, along with perceived risks, peer and parental disapproval and other factors that can influence youth behavior.
The release from Schuyler County Public Health and the Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs did not provide the number of students surveyed, response rates, detailed methodology or percentages showing the changes over time.
Officials said most students reported they did not use substances and that use of harder drugs remained rare. Among students who did report substance use, alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarettes or vaping products were the most common.
Students most often obtained substances through their homes or social networks, according to the coalition. Their perceptions of the risks associated with marijuana and vaping were relatively low, which officials said points to a need for continued education.
Jill Kasprzyk, Schuyler County's public health director, credited the coalition's work since 2006 with contributing to positive changes in the community. Coalition Chair Emily Hoffman said the survey helps determine which educational efforts and community activities should be prioritized.
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The coalition plans to hold community listening sessions this fall to learn more about local perspectives and identify ways to prevent youth vaping. Input from parents, young people, educators, health care providers and other residents will be used to shape future prevention strategies.
Dates and locations for the listening sessions will be announced later by the coalition.
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