GRAPHIC VIDEO ON METH GRABS KIDS

Phoenix, School Officials Hope Film Is Deterrent

People looking years older than their age, with hair loss, track
marks, scabs on their bodies and rotted teeth were a few images shown
to students from a new video called METH: Don't Even Start.

A select group of Desert Foothills Junior High School students were
the first to view the middle school version of the video.

Zack Wilson, 14, called it graphic but interesting. "It's good to
inform kids our age," he said. advertisement

Others also said it brought home the dangers of using methamphetamine.

"It shows how you can die from it, and it's very addictive," said
Emma Coleman, 13.

The video is just one step Phoenix is taking to deter kids from using meth.

Educators and community members join the students to watch the
eight-minute video produced by the city.

It is airing several times on the city channel, PHX 11. Eventually,
city officials hope it will be shown to students across the state.

The video shows teenagers who have used meth talk about their
experiences and the harmful effects it has had on their lives.

From one girl saying, "I don't think I'll ever be able to have
children" because of it, to another victim of the drug saying he no
longer cared whether he was alive or dead.

They weren't actors. The young people in the video started using meth
at 12 to 14 years old.

Vice Mayor Dave Siebert emphasized how terrible meth is and said, "It
just takes one time and you're hooked." He spoke of one important
element to stop meth use and that is through education.

In December 2005, two Phoenix ordinances took effect aimed at cutting
the production of crystal methamphetamine. One regulated the sale of
products containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. These two products
are raw ingredients that are used in the manufacturing of the drug.

The second strategy was to create a campaign to educate children on
the dangers of using crystal meth. The film is part of that effort.

The campaign was created with funding from the Arizona Credit Union
System, the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, and the Phoenix
police and fire departments.

Bev Kraft, vice president of the Washington Elementary School
District governing board, said it is important to be proactive in
showing students what meth does to people, before a problem arises.

One version of the film is aimed at middle school or junior high
students. Another version is for high school students.

"I think it is very important to show, so kids know the dangers of
using it (meth)," said Breonna Burciaga, 14.