19. Prevalence of students reporting drugs were made available to them on school property*

Schools can be places where young people are offered or can purchase illegal drugs. The availability of drugs on school property is a disruptive and corrupting influence in the school environment.

• In 1995, 1997, and 1999, between 30 and 32 percent of all students in grades 9 through 12 reported that someone had offered, sold, or given them an illegal drug on school property in the 12 months prior to the survey (figure 19.1 and table 19.1). This was an increase from 1993 when 24 percent of such students reported that illegal drugs were available to them on school property.
• In each survey year, males were more likely than females to report that drugs were offered, sold, or given to them on school property (figure 19.1 and table 19.1). For example, in 1999, 35 percent of males reported the availability of drugs, while 26 percent of females did so.
• Students' grade level in school did not appear to be associated with whether they had been offered, sold, or given drugs on school property (table 19.1). Generally, in each survey year, about the same percentage of students in each grade level reported the availability of illegal drugs.
• In 1999, the racial/ethnic background of students was associated with their reports of having illegal drugs offered, sold, or given to them on school property (figure 19.2 and table 19.1). Specifically, Hispanic or Latino and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students were more likely than black or African American, white, and Asian students to report having drugs available to them on school property.