Morristown, NY —
Morristown students are choosing not to use substances. Students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 recently completed a survey measuring their substance use rates. The Bach Harrison Prevention Needs Assessment is implemented biannually by the Seaway Valley Prevention Council across all schools in St. Lawrence County.
Less than 5% of students reported using e-cigarettes, marijuana, or traditional combustible cigarettes in the last 30 days. E-cigarette use rates are down 9% from 2021. “We’re excited to see that students understand the dangers of e-cigarette use,” said Chelsea Dodd, Program Director at the Seaway Valley Prevention Council.
Morristown students indicated that school involvement was a large part of why they chose not to use in the past month. According to the survey, 70% of students felt that they had opportunities to be involved in school activities, and 63% felt that they were rewarded when they became involved. In a joint statement, Superintendent Staci Vaughn and Principal Corey Flynn said, “We are immensely proud of our students' commitment to their own well-being and their decision to choose being involved in the opportunities we offer over the use of substances. This speaks volumes about the positive impact providing opportunities can have for students and the character of our students. In addition to opportunities helping students to grow as individuals, it is nice to know that they value the activities and opportunities the school and staff work to plan and offer.”
Students also agreed that their parents wouldn’t approve of their use. All students (100%) reported that their parents would feel it was wrong for them to consume alcohol daily, smoke cigarettes, or use prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them. More than 9 in 10 students also reported that their parents would feel it was wrong for them to use electronic cigarettes or smoke marijuana.
Students also chose not to use substances because of their friends. 89% of students reported that their friends would feel it was wrong if they drank alcohol nearly every day or smoked cigarettes. 81% of students know their peers wouldn’t approve of them using e-cigarettes or smoking marijuana.
Overall, Morristown students are becoming more involved in school and choosing to be substance-free with their peers.