New research shows young Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders who speak an Indigenous language are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the results from its fourth study into the wellbeing of Indigenous children and young people.
It focuses on language and how it affects a young person’s wellbeing.
The report found in 2008 almost half of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s in remote areas between the ages of 15 to 24 spoke an Indigenous language.
It found they were less likely to participate in high-risk drinking and drug use than young people who did not speak a traditional language.
More of this story can be read in the Print Edition. For the full story in Indigenous Affairs: National Indigenous Times. By subscription from subs@nit.com.au, and available at over 1,000 News Agencies nationwide.
- This article originally appears at:
- http://www.nit.com.au/News/story.aspx?id=21882
- Article taken from the following publication:
- National Indigenous Times
- Article submitted by:
