News from the UK
Social media apps are increasingly likely to be used by young people to buy illegal drugs, research suggests.
The study, from Royal Holloway, University of London, says drug users valued the convenience and speed of buying drugs via apps like Snapchat.
It warns that buyers are at risk in terms of personal safety and drug quality and that many have a "false security" of escaping law enforcement.
It says educating young people about the risks is "crucial and urgent".
The study warns many are in denial about the risks: "On the whole, app users had well-rehearsed narratives that justified their continued confidence in purchasing substances from unknown suppliers on apps."
How did the researchers carry out their study?
The study - #Drugsforsale: An exploration of the use of social media and encrypted messaging apps to supply and access drugs - is based on an online survey of 358 users, 288 of whom had used apps to buy drugs and 70 who had thought about it.
Most of these users were in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US and the average age of the participants was 18.
The researchers also conducted face-to-face interviews with 20 young people and in-depth interviews with a further 27.
It found that while "social supply" of drugs through friends is still typically preferred, apps are "fast becoming a viable option for accessing drugs".
Of the 358 online participants, 76% said they regularly used Snapchat, while 21% favoured Instagram.
Source: Katherine Sellgren, BBC news, 04/03/19
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
