Intercity differences in drug use by pre-teenage school children.

Background: Regional variations in rates of drug use have been described previously in relation to adolescents. However, reasons for these differences are not clear. Previous publications pointed to higher rates of drug use by Glasgow children compared to children living in Newcastle upon Tyne. This paper explores the hypothesis that a higher rate of drug use in Glasgow is due to higher availability there.

Method: School surveys were conducted in Glasgow and Newcastle upon Tyne on a total of 2,318 children aged 10-12. These concerned aspects of behaviour, lifestyle, family life and drug use.

Findings: The data indicate that the higher rate of drug use by Glasgow children was attributable to greater opportunities for children to gather at leisure centres and other venues and activities facilitating exposure to more drug-experienced young people.