Drug and alcohol abuse is the leading problem affecting youth

SANTIAGO.- According to the results of the fifth National Youth Survey, the excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol, as well as the lack of job and educational opportunities, are the main problems facing young people.

Crime, difficulties accessing higher education and the lack of adult trust in youth were left behind.

In addition, a consensus exists between young people, considering democracy as the best governmental system.

Regarding civic participation, there continues to be a lack of interest in using traditional institutionalized systems, though this does not assume that there is a lack of youth participation.

Better coverage has been observed in educational matters although, according to the opinion of young people, this has no correlation to better access.

There are signs of inequality in employment for youth whose first experience is widely devoid of contract.

Finally, the sexual practices of young people indicate unprotected sexual conduct: they do not use birth control, only a small portion has been tested for AIDS, etc.

* Advise: This translation is responsability of Instituto Chileno Norteamericano.