Frequently asked questions
The Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England survey has been running since 1982. It is the government’s main source of information on alcohol, drug, and tobacco use among young people in England. The 2025 study will collect information on the attitudes and experiences of more than 12,000 secondary school students. The study asks students about their experiences of smoking (including vaping), drinking, and taking drugs (and how they make choices about them).
NHS England has a responsibility to collect, analyse, and publish health data, including that on young people’s health. The survey is funded by the UK government.
The survey is carried out to fulfil NHS England's legal functions under the NHS Act 2006 to conduct, commission, or assist the conduct of research into any matters relating to illness and other matters connected with health services.
The study is being conducted by Ipsos, a leading market research organisation that has extensive experience in carrying out surveys of young people. Ipsos has been commissioned to conduct the survey by NHS England.
Students will be asked for their opinions on smoking (including vaping), drinking, and drug use. Students who report participating in smoking, drinking, or drug use will be asked about their experiences. Students will also be asked to answer questions about themselves, for example, their age, gender, and ethnicity. This information is used to analyse the collected data.
The survey is completely voluntary: students will be provided with information about the survey and given an opportunity to withdraw from taking part before they are asked to complete the survey.
Students can answer ‘Prefer not to say’ for any questions they are uncomfortable or unwilling to give an answer to. Only students who indicate that they have participated in smoking, drinking or drug use will be asked about their experiences.
The survey does not collect personal information or any data that may identify an individual student. Ipsos will store responses securely and keep them confidential.
Answers to the survey will be aggregated and will be used to fulfil NHS England's functions in relation to its duties under the NHS Act. Only aggregated statistics will be shared and published.
All of the research is carried out in line with the Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct. Everything that students tell us will be treated in complete confidence. You have the right to contact the MRS or Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you wish to complain about any aspect of this research.
More information on what data is collected and how data is processed by the survey can be found in our Privacy Notice here. Information on how to complain to Ipsos or the ICO can also be found in the Privacy Notice.
