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Still No Idea

Parents not up to speed on teenage drug problems

Parents have little idea about the problems teenagers really face, new research released by the helpline Get Connected reveals.  Although 42% of all parents listed drugs as the biggest problem teenagers have, a third of young people said relationships are their biggest worry.  Only 19% of teenagers said that drugs were their main concern.

The report, Still No Idea, also found that the range of problems that young people are facing is far more diverse than parents are aware of.  Only 1 in 20 parents considered physical or mental health problems (including suicide, self-harm and eating disorders), to be major issues facing young people, compared to 1 in 6 of the young people themselves.

Justin Irwin, Director of the Charity said:

“The research, Still No Idea, exposes how out of touch parents, the media and opinion formers are with young people’s problems.  Although almost half of all parents think drugs are young people’s biggest problem, over 80% of teenagers don’t agree.

The media should carefully consider its regular demonisation of drug use amongst young people, and look more fully at the reasons why young people may take drugs, rather than exaggerating the extent of the problem.

We are urging parents, the media, and other opinion formers to make a resolution to act responsibly over the next twelve months. Stop making assumptions. Start being realistic.”

The research also revealed that health issues, both mental and physical, can be a significant problem for young people.  Regular feedback from users of the charity indicates that young people find it difficult to access information and help with health issues, especially mental health. 

Still No Idea calls for GP’s to be given additional training in the field of mental health, and working with young people.  It is also recommends that issues around mental health are added to the educational curriculum.

The report is launched on the same day that Get Connected announces new arrangements with a number of mobile phone operators, ensuring that Get Connected is now free from 99% of all mobile phones. This is unique amongst helplines. Irwin said:

“With young people often not really understood by their parents, and with the media often out of touch with real problems being faced, it’s vital that young people have a free alternative to get some help. Now they can call Get Connected on their mobiles, for free, from the privacy of their own room, or when in any emergency situation.”

Get Connected finds young people the best place that can help them, whatever the problem, and, where relevant, connects callers to suitable organisations via a free three way call. The new arrangement with mobile operators means that young people can use Get Connected to call any number in the UK without being charged, and without details being on any phone bills.

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Notes to editors:

1. Get Connected is a unique helpline finding young people the best help whatever their problem. This can range from national telephone helplines to local advice centres. Staffed by volunteers, the helpline can either provide a free connection directly to a third party, give callers relevant information to use when they wish, or text them details directly to their mobile phone
2. Get Connected helpline is open from 1pm – 11pm 365 days a year.
3. The report Still No Idea is available in full to download from the Get Connected website http://www.getconnected.org.uk
4. Available for interview on 30^th December, or before for pre-recorded: Justin Irwin, Director, Get Connected, 020 8896 4774, admin@getconnected.org.uk