KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO USE AMONG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN

Using an open-ended format, we asked students in grades kindergarten to eight who they would ask if they had a question about alcohol or tobacco, what they would do if someone offered them a can of beer or a cigarette, why people drink or smoke, and how alcohol and tobacco are harmful to the body. Most students would ask their parents questions about alcohol and tobacco. Students were aware of the reasons why people used alcohol or tobacco, but did not know the harm involved in taking these drugs. If offered a can of beer or a cigarette, most students would say no. A noticeable increase in the number of students accepting either a can of beer or a cigarette occurred in grade five.