There have been no significant changes in the way Isle of Man schoolchildren use drugs and alcohol.

Initial findings from the latest European School Survey Project have been released, containing the responses of 82 per cent of 15 and 16 year olds.

The survey was carried out early last year, following the Island's participation in 2003.

On a positive note, the number of respondants abstaining from drink, or drinking only occasionally, was down three per cent to 17, and the first episode of drunkness went from 13 years to the 14-15 age group.

Cannabis remained the drug of choice, but the number of youngsters who have ever used it was down four per cent to 35 per cent, and the perception of easy availability of the drug fell by almost ten per cent to 46 per cent. The figure was 12 per cent in the case of ecstasy.

On the downside, underage drink remains a challenge to authorities, with 14 per cent of those questioned saying they had been intoxicated on six or more occasions in the 'last month'.

The proportion of 15 to 16 year olds who have used inhalants or volatile substances remained at 18 per cent, while the perception of them being easy to get hold of went from 54 to 68 per cent.