1 in 7 schoolchildren use drugs, finds shocking survey
A new study shows that about one in seven schoolkids in India have tried drugs or other harmful substances.
The research, led by Dr. Anju Dhawan at AIIMS Delhi, surveyed nearly 6,000 students (average age: 14.7) across 10 cities and found that substance use often starts young—sometimes as early as age 11.
What the numbers say
Tobacco was the most common substance (4%), followed by alcohol (3.8%), opioids (2.8%—mostly medicines), cannabis (2%), and inhalants (1.9%).
Use doubled between middle and senior secondary classes, with boys more likely to use tobacco or cannabis and girls leaning toward inhalants or opioids.
Why it happens—and what can help
Kids who used substances were more likely to face psychological challenges like conduct issues or hyperactivity.
Nearly 40% saw tobacco or alcohol used at home, and peer pressure plus emotional stress were big reasons for starting early.
The study suggests that teaching about substance risks at school, parental involvement, and mental health checks before age 12 could make a real difference in keeping kids safer.