28 January 2011 Last updated at 09:40 ET

Isle of Man teenagers in alcohol and drugs survey

Survey results in 2009 showed 61% of Manx teenagers were drinking to excess

The Isle of Man is to take part in an international survey to establish the levels of drinking and drug taking in Manx teenagers.

The project, which is called European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD), is led by Sweden.

It aims to identify teenage drinking patterns, levels of alcohol-related problems and illicit drug use.

In 2009 it was found that 61% of island teenagers were drinking to excess, one of the highest figures in Europe.

The survey takes information from many European cities including Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Switzerland.

Home Affairs Department Member Bill Malarkey said: "Pupils should be encouraged to participate and to give honest answers as it is important we get accurate statistics."