CHARLOTTETOWN -- A new report on student drug use in Prince Edward Island suggests youth who use tobacco, drugs and alcohol have lower self-esteem than those who do not.
Dr. Carolyn Sanford of the province's chief public health office said students who report using substances also show lower emotional well-being and academic achievement, and increased bullying behaviours.
Sanford said the report surveyed students in grades 6 to 12 for the last nine years.
Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used, though almost a quarter of students in grades 7 to 12 reported using another drug such as marijuana.
Factors such as screen time were also considered, with 85 per cent of students reporting they exceed the recommended two hours of screen time per day.
Those students also reported lower self-esteem and emotional well-being than those who spent less time on screens.
