Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana Use at School: Individual Characteristics and the School Environment

Introduction: California youth survey data indicate that 8.4% of students have used alcohol, tobacco or marijuana while at school. This study examines the individual and school-level characteristics that are related to substance use while at school.

Methods: The data presented here were collected as part of the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), a biennial survey funded by the California Department of Education which is designed to assess youth health risk behaviors and resilience. A total of 289,080 students (7^th, 9^th, and 11^th graders) in California schools completed the CHKS in 2012/2013. Data were analyzed using HLM. Individual-level variables included sex, age, race/ethnicity, academic performance, perceived school environment, having been bullied and mental health (suicidal ideation). School-level data included enrollment, percent free and reduced lunch eligible students (FRL), and percent White.

Results: Among past 30 day users (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana), 24% have consumed alcohol on campus in the past 30 days, 38% smoked cigarettes, and 38% used marijuana. Regression analyses indicate significant differences in on-campus substance use by race/ethnicity. Some groups with lower lifetime and 30 day use prevalence than Whites had higher rates of on campus use. For example, 22% of Asians reported lifetime drinking compared to 35% of Whites. However, 13% of Asians who had reported drinking in the past 30 days reported drinking on campus compared to 9% of Whites. Almost twice as many African Americans (31%) than Whites (17%) reported having used marijuana on campus. African Americans were also more likely to drink alcohol (23%) and smoke cigarettes (34%) on campus compared to Whites, 9% and 16%, respectively. Analyses indicate that on-campus use is more likely among males. Academic achievement was negatively related to use on campus. Regardless of substance, use on campus was positively related to having been bullied, having had suicidal thoughts, and having more negative perceptions of the school environment. The number of free and reduced lunch eligible students was positively related to substance use on campus.

Conclusion: Substance use on campus may put some groups at higher risk of suspension or expulsion. Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use on campus may be a symptom of a larger problem and may be rooted in anxiety, stress and a lack of perceived support in the school environment.