The last day of the year brings the annual conundrum – is it really worth going out on New Year’s Eve? This year, teens are leaving it to the last minute to decide how to spend the biggest party night of the year. Over a third of young people aged 11-21 years surveyed in an online poll on www.talktoFRANK.com say that New Year’s Eve is over-rated (36%) and one in four (25%) have no firm plans at all. And the fact that it’s New Year’s Eve doesn’t bother 44% of young people polled who say that the best night out of the year is any night spent in the company of mates.
Being spontaneous can make for a great night out, but some things are best not left to chance. FRANK is encouraging teens in the West Midlands Region to think ahead when it comes to drugs by getting the facts before New Year’s Eve – even if they leave the rest of their plans until the last minute. Most teenagers don’t take drugs[1], but 48% of those who responded to the FRANK survey saying that they might take drugs on New Year’s Eve, said they would make the decision on the night itself.
James Robinson-Morley, FRANK spokesperson, comments:
“Being flexible about New Year’s Eve plans is a risky strategy when it comes to drugs. It’s really important to get hold of the facts before trying anything, particularly for the first time. We urge teens to talk to FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or visit talktofrank.com before New Year’s Eve – even if they think they want to go with the flow or be influenced by their mates in other respects on the night.”
According to the FRANK poll, the top three New Year’s Eve gripes are waking up with a bad hangover (21%), not being able to get a taxi home (14%) and being approached by strangers for a snog at midnight (13%). Nearly half of young people surveyed (41%) say that overdoing it makes for the worst night out – any night of the year.
FRANK’s guide to staying safe on New Year’s Eve
· Before you go out with your friends, agree that you will all look out for each other;
· If you do take any drugs, make sure that you tell your friends what you have taken - it could save your life;
· Plan your journey to and from home and use only licensed cab firms;
· Avoid going to a club, pub or party alone;
· Don’t travel with a driver who may have been drinking or taking drugs;
· Make sure somebody knows where you are going and what time you should get home;
· Think twice before leaving a pub or party with someone you have only just met.
Ends
Notes to Editors
The survey was conducted among 1,000 11-21 year olds on the talktofrank.com website in November 2005.
FRANK is the national drugs information service supported by the Department of Health, the Home Office and the Department for Education and Skills. FRANK offers friendly, confidential advice on drugs, 24 hours a day throughout the year on 0800 77 66 00, or online at www.talktofrank.com. If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also textphone FRANK on 0800 917 8765.
The latest statistics on drug use in the UK are available from the British Crime Survey, which can be accessed at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hosb0405.pdf.
Issued on behalf of FRANK by GNN West Midlands
[1] The latest statistics on drug use in the UK are available from the British Crime Survey, which can be accessed at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hosb0405.pdf.
