Finance minister questioned by student on youth substance abuse at Breivang High School in Tromsø

During a recent visit to Breivang High School in Tromsø, Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum was questioned by student Wiola Wilmi about addressing youth substance abuse and crime. Wilmi suggested that instead of equipping police with more tools to manage these issues, it would be more beneficial to provide easier access to psychological support to address the underlying factors leading youth to turn to drugs and crime.

Statistics reveal an increase in violence and substance-related cases among children and adolescents, particularly in Troms, where police face challenges from criminal networks that recruit young people. Vedum acknowledged the significance of enhancing mental health initiatives to reduce substance use, noting that the government has proposed a plan for additional funding of 300 million kroner annually for mental health services, aimed at increasing resources for municipalities and specialist healthcare providers. However, he indicated that this measure alone may not suffice.

While Vedum intends to further invest in police resources for preventing substance abuse, he disagrees that current police tools are adequate. He emphasized the need for police to build trust with youth by being present in their environments and having the ability to address drug use, even in small quantities.

The government is also working on legislative amendments intended to empower police to better control, search, and seize illegal substances. Vedum underscored the importance of maintaining strict drug prohibitions in Norway.

Wilmi, however, advocates for earlier prevention efforts through improved mental health services for young people, highlighting concerns over long waiting times and the fear youth face in discontinuing therapy during positive periods due to the difficulty of re-accessing services when they encounter challenges again.