More than 40% of children aged between 11 and 15 in Tayside have experimented with “substances”.
Figures recorded in the Tayside Plan for Children, Young People and Families reveal in excess of four in 10 youths have admitted engaging in substance abuse within the past month.
The statistics were gathered as part of educational visits to schools in the region.
According to the same publication, which was presented to Dundee City Council’s children and families services committee on Monday, 41% of young people have experimented with either alcohol, cigarettes or “illicit drugs”.
42% of youths in Angus have experimented with the same substances and 46% of children in Perth and Kinross have dabbled with the same drugs.
The Tayside Plan for Children, Young People and Families, commissioned by NHS Tayside and regional councils, concedes substance abuse remains a “significant issue affecting children and young people”.
Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson said the figures are proof education and “getting the right message across to young people” is integral.
Mr Macpherson added that the figures are a matter of “concern”.
He said: “This is something I will be highlighting and seeking answers about.
“It’s clearly vital that we get the right message across about drugs and alcohol to all the population, but crucially to young people.
“The figures quoted are quite similar with other areas and will be similar right across the country. This is a Scotland and UK-wide issue.”
Dundee’s children and families services convener said tackling the social ill requires a number of bodies to work together with Dundee City Council.
Councillor Gregor Murray said: “We have to work collaboratively. It’s about working together with health, with the IJB (the council’s integrated joint board) and the police.
“We know what Dundee’s problems are, but we have to say: ‘how can we all work together?’.
“We can’t just do things in our own little bubble.”
The convener added that a Dundee-specific approach to tackling substance abuse and other social issues will be published later this year.
Both Perth and Kinross and Angus Councils were also approached for comment, but did not respond.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “There is a range of services and support available to children and young people in Dundee who run the risk of harmful exposure to alcohol and drugs.
“Within schools, the curriculum for excellence framework includes health and wellbeing as one of the eight themed areas contributing to the experiences and outcomes for children and young people.
“The potential impact of risk taking behaviour on life choices and health is addressed through clear and accurate learning programmes designed to encourage healthy choices.
“The health and wellbeing programme covers topics such as physical education, food and health, substance misuse, relationships, sexual health, parenthood, social and life skills. All of these learning experiences are designed to fit with the development and maturity of each individual child.”
The spokesperson added that ‘The Corner’ in Dundee offers free and confidential advice about the dangers of substance misuse.
