DRUG EDUCATION BOOKLET CAUSES OUTRAGE IN NSW

A New South Wales Government-funded drug education booklet for
teenagers has been scrapped after sparking community outrage for its
"twisted" message.

The controversial teaching resource aimed at students in years 9 and
10 was produced by the Sydney West Area Health Service and distributed
to western Sydney high schools.

The booklet - Choosing To Use ... But Wanna Keep Your Head Together? -
suggests young people should not experiment with drugs until they are
over 18, know their family medical history and "use only small amounts
and not too often".

"The best way to keep your head together, is not to use drugs at all,"
the booklet says.

"But, if you choose to experiment ... remember some people will react
badly and become seriously unwell after using only a small amount of a
drug."

News of the booklet's content sparked outrage from many areas of the
community, from welfare groups and the state opposition to Sydney
talkback radio callers.

Health Minister Reba Meagher said copies of the booklet, which has
been used since 2006, would be removed from distribution and pulped.
She also said all other drug education material for young people would
be reviewed.

"Much of the information contained in this brochure is focused on
encouraging young people not to use drugs," she said. "But the
reference to what young people should choose to do if they ignore
anti-drug advice or information is simply not acceptable."

The booklet sent "confusing and dangerous mixed messages to school
children," Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said.