Adolescents in Bendigo are being treated for alcohol consumption and drug taking at an alarmingly higher rate than the statewide average, according to the latest Victorian Department of Health figures.
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Victorian Alcohol and Drug statistics, published as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s draft youth strategy 2017-2021, show that alcohol treatment rates for 15-24 year-olds was 83.7 per 10,000 persons, compared to 50.3 per 10,000 across the state.
Similarly illicit drug treatment per 10,000 people in 2013 was almost double – 248.1 – the Victorian average of 127.2.
Data from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development shows Bendigo had consistently higher rates of 12-17 year-olds sniffing glue, drinking alcohol, ‘chroming’ or smoking marijuana than across the state.
The strategy appreciates the need for a greater comprehension of local adolescent behaviours.
“This suggests a need to understand why there are greater levels of drug and alcohol related issues in Greater Bendigo with young people than at a state level and whether prevention services are sufficiently resourced,” it stated.
Councillor Jennifer Alden said the statistics stood out from the report.
“The more we can do to support our youth to become resilient individuals the better,” she said.
The city’s strategy, which acknowledged the limitations of referencing four year-old data in the report, creates a profile of young Bendigonians.
The profile demonstrates that youngsters in the municipality;
- Have higher levels of mental-health related issues than young people on average in Victoria.
- Have lower levels of Year 12 attainment and higher levels of early leavers from school.
- Feel less safe in their community, including while at home and on public transport.
- Are more likely to be a victim of crime and more likely to commit a crime than the average in Victoria.
- Have lower levels of health in most health indicators than on average in Victoria, except for exercise levels.
The strategy, which is open for public consultation, seeks to develop emerging young leaders.
At a recent council meeting, councillor Yvonne Wrigglesworth threw her support behind forming a youth council in Bendigo.
