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Fewer students said they used substances like alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other drugs than in past years.

Officials said rather than totally focusing conversation on how many kids are using substances, it’s just as important to recognize that up to three-quarters of the students in the survey were NOT using substances.

The report shows the average age of students who begin to use drugs locally is slightly older than the national average of 13 with the most common substances of choice for young people being alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.

In addition to substance use, the survey, that is administered every-other year, looks at destructive and anti-social behaviors, risk factors and commitment to school.

The Prevention Coalition of Broome County says the survey numbers show the programs in place to educate and prevent substance abuse are working.

 

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