Planet Youth Nipissing Releases Survey Results

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY, ON - Spending time with your teen on the weekends could be good for their well-being, suggest results from a 2024 survey conducted by Planet Youth Nipissing. The survey, completed by more than 700 students across nine local high schools, was conducted in the spring to gather insight into the health and lives of young people in West Nipissing and North Bay.

“Hearing directly from local students helps us to better understand what is impacting their well-being, and what factors are associated with outcomes like higher substance use,” says Alyssa Bedard, community development coordinator with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. “We now have a responsibility to do something with this data, to use it to create environments that give youth the support and opportunities to thrive.”

According to the survey results, local teens who often spend time with their parents or caregivers on the weekends are less likely to drink, vape, or use cannabis; however, 25 per cent of students had tried alcohol at age 13 or younger, and 45 per cent of local teens who have ever drunk alcohol say they usually get it from a family member. The survey results also show that participation in organized activities and feeling connected at school can be protective against substance use, yet only 31 per cent of youth surveyed feel there are plenty of activity options for youth in their community. Reports with full survey results and information about the Planet Youth Nipissing initiative can be found at www.planetyouthnipissing.ca.

“For individuals under age 25, regular consumption of substances such as alcohol, cannabis and nicotine can have a negative impact on brain development and be a host for a number of short-term and long-term health challenges,” explains Bedard. “The survey results invite people to be part of solutions within their own circle of influence. Whether you’re an employer, a coach, a grandparent or volunteer, you can have an impact on creating a supportive community and healthy development for youth.”

Community action teams in West Nipissing and North Bay will be meeting in January 2025 to develop a plan in response to the input from youth. Anyone interested in getting involved can reach out through the Planet Youth Nipissing website.

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Background:

Planet Youth Nipissing is a pilot project that empowers communities to work together to create healthy communities for children and youth, with a focus on strengthening protective factors such as positive relationships with family and friends, involvement in extracurricular activities, and school engagement. It is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, a proven approach to reduce alcohol and drug use among youth and improve their well-being. Learn more.

Media Inquiries:

Kylie Wurdell, Public Relations Specialist
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca