EXPERT
COMMENT
Media and
Communications
Tel. +61 3 9925 3176
Fax +61 3 9662 2739
MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMAN’S BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
–– Expert comment on teen drug fears ––
Australia’s largest annual survey of young people aged 11 to 24 has found drugs
are a growing concern.
The Mission Australia survey found those aged 11 to 14 were most worried about
drugs and were twice as likely to identify it as a major issue, compared with 20 to
24 year olds.
What kind of influence does media coverage of the drug-taking habits of footballers
and celebrities have on young people?
What do the survey findings say about the possible impact of drug education
campaigns on early adolescents?
How can parents and teachers educate young people about drugs and the damage
they cause without adding to their worries?
Professor Judith Bessant heads RMIT University’s Youth Work Program — the
oldest of its kind in Australia.
Her research interests include the just treatment of young people and ethical
conduct towards them.
Professor Bessant has made significant contributions to youth policy, via
government taskforces and her own research papers.
She is available for comment on teenage concerns about drugs and their use in
society.
For interviews: RMIT University’s Professor in Youth Studies and Sociology,
Judith Bessant , 0413 551 505.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Media and Communications,
Gosia Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
26 November, 2008
NEWS 
