Town Crier Staff Report
Drugs, gangs and the environment topped the list of concerns among local youth, according to a survey released this month.
The Los Altos Youth Commission surveyed 1,800 local youth in grades 7-12 between February and March at Blach, Egan, Pinewood, Los Altos, Mountain View and St. Francis schools.
When students were asked what they felt were the biggest problems facing them today, the top three answers were drugs and alcohol (63 percent), the environment (44 percent) and gangs (29 percent), followed by racism, education and sexually transmitted diseases.
Students in every age group said they know people who have used or are currently using drugs or alcohol.
As grade level increased, the students reported higher nubmers of peers using alcohol or drugs.
When asked why they thought these people used drugs or alcohol, the overwhelming number of students marked "peer pressure and family problems."
When asked what students thought the city or commission could do about problems, the number one answer given was to have speakers, either at a city location or at schools, teen center and stronger laws.
An overwhelming number of students (72 percent) said they felt a need for a teen hangout in the Los Altos area that would include dancing, music, pool tables a gym and basketball courts.
Based on the survey results, the youth commission plans to hold a speakers' forum during the upcoming school year and to investigate possible sites for a youth hangout.
The city created the 11-member commission in March 1998 to address teen issues.