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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Mothers 'Bulwark Against Drugs'
The Guardian
Friday 10 May 2002 Children with close relationships with their mothers are far less likely to get involved in drug or alcohol abuse, a study claimed yesterday. But international research also found that good parenting, traditionally regarded as a barrier that can protect youngsters from drugs culture, was being undermined in cities where recreational drugs were freely available. Researchers led by the child psychiatrist Paul McArdle, at Newcastle University, found 14- and 15-year-olds were less likely to have a drug and alcohol habit if they lived with both parents in a properly supervised and loving home. The study examined 4,000 young people in Newcastle, Dublin, Rome, Bremen in Germany, and Groningen in the Netherlands. Of those children without parents at home and without a supportive home life, 42% were likely to be involved in drugs. If both factors were present, the figure fell to 17%. If one factor was present the level was 32%. The findings underlined "the unique role of mothers in regulating the behaviour of the great majority of young people". The 4,000 youngsters completed questionnaires assessing the quality of their relationship with their parents. Questions included whether there was a carer at home after school, whether the youngsters could confide in parents, and whether they were warned not to watch too much TV. It also asked if they ever took cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, LSD or tranquillisers, or regularly drank alcohol. Dr McArdle said: "It shows the quality of family life is at the core of the problem. Yet this message is largely absent from drugs prevention campaigns. No one tackles parental responsibility. I believe effective prevention of drug use is more about family relationships than any other factor."
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