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Local prevention group: average substance‑use initiation at 13; marijuana uptick among teens
Summary
At the council meeting, Shayla Wilson of Bridging Communities/ASAP presented recent student survey data showing an average age of initiation of 13, a slight overall decrease in substance use but a small uptick in marijuana use, and higher reported use among female students.
Shayla Wilson, identifying herself with Bridging Communities and ASAP, told the Clinton City Council that data from 8th, 10th and 12th graders shows the average age of initiation for substance use is 13.
Wilson said the data shows an overall decrease in substance use but “a slight uptick in marijuana use.” She also reported a small increase in use among female students and said the data shows students’ disapproval of substance use aligns more closely with their parents’ views than with peers’ views.
Wilson said the prevention group is working with local school districts to address connections between substance use and mental‑health concerns and urged trusted adults to continue having early conversations with youth. She also said staff recently returned from advocacy trips to Nashville and Washington, D.C., where they discussed bills the group is tracking; she said the group recorded interviews with Rep. Charles Fleischmann and with a radio interviewer in Nashville.
“The average age of initiation for substance use is 13,” Wilson told the council. “We just got back from both of our advocacy trips…so if you haven't checked out our podcast yet, please do so.”
Councilmembers asked about legislative concerns and Wilson said marijuana legalization bills and vaping‑related measures are among the items the group is tracking; she identified retail access and older siblings as common sources of student access to nicotine and THC products.
