STEROID USE BY ASIAN YOUTHS

That this House is deeply concerned with the increased use of steroids by Asian youths between their late teens and mid twenties; notes that a study of a needle exchange in Bradford has noted a rise from five per cent. to 30 per cent. of Asians who use the centre, with many primarily using steroids; is further concerned that at a needle exchange centre in Luton, 84 per cent. of Asian visitors admitted to taking steroids; expresses regret that despite awareness of the extreme side-effects of the use of steroids by these teenagers the pressure to maintain a body image surpasses the desire to avoid the dangers of steroid use; further notes that access to steroids is readily available online and sourced from countries abroad such as Pakistan; calls on the Government to impose online regulation for steroid distribution and more stringent rules on the sourcing of steroids; further calls for an immediate investigation into the range of steroid drugs available to create a deeper awareness of the dangers, and suggests complementing raising awareness with information on alternative, effective ways to keep physically fit; and believes such action will directly curb the use of steroids by Asian youths.