DRUGS UPDATE FOR SCHOOLS HELPS TO FIRE UP DEBATE

GETTING the latest information on depressants, stimulants and other drugs is
now easier for high school teachers after the launch of a new drug resource
information kit.

The Essential Drug Facts kit is to be distributed to high schools and is
intended to give teachers a starting point for discussing drugs with
students.

Applecross Senior High School acting department head of health Jan Michell
welcomed the kit as an aid for teachers dealing with a difficult subject.
She said teachers were often underprepared in their knowledge of drugs.

"There is increasing pressure on young people to try drugs and as teachers I
believe we have a responsibility to be able to assist our students with
understanding the harms associated with all drug use," she said.

Applecross students Keegan Blair and Stephanie Ryall, both 16, agreed that
it made sense to learn about drugs at school. Stephanie said about 70 per
cent of her knowledge of drugs came from school, while the rest was from
other people.

"At school they are telling you straight and they are not going to lead you
on," she said.

The kit has been developed by the Drug and Alcohol Office to complement a
book aimed at parents called Drugs and Your Teenager. It is available to
parents through the Parent Drug Information Service and to teachers through
school libraries. Country callers can get a copy of the book by calling
1800 653 203.