A new survey finds that while most Norwegian students consume alcohol they desire for more alcohol-free environments.
59,544 students from Norway and abroad took part in this year’s Student Health and Well-Being survey.
Some of the main findings are:
- 90% of students use alcohol.
- Around 1% of students use alcohol 4 times a week or more.
- 15% use alcohol 2 to 3 times a week.
- Students’ alcohol habits have been relatively stable over the past decade.
However, 61% of students hope for more alcohol-free environments.
The use of other drugs has also increased among students.
- The use of other drugs by students increased from 23% in 2010 and 2014 to 30% in 2022.
- 16% of students report using cannabis in the past year.
- Almost 1 in 3 students think it should be legal to use cannabis for people over 18 years of age.
Along with the rise in alcohol and other drug use more students are facing mental health struggles now. In 2010, one in six students reported having mental health problems. By 2022 this has doubled and now one in three students report struggling with mental health issues.
Since the human brain develops until the mid-20s adolescents and young people are more vulnerable to alcohol harm. Alcohol use during this time can lead to poorer memory and impaired learning ability.
Young brains are more vulnerable to alcohol-related changes, which can lead to poorer memory and impaired learning ability,” said Inger Lise Hansen, secretary general of Actis, as per their website.
This is unfortunate in a phase of life where education and learning should be at the center. When over 60% want more alcohol-free arenas, this must be taken seriously.”
Inger Lise Hansen, secretary general, Actis