METH EDUCATION AIMED AT YOUTH

Crystal methamphetamine production and use is a serious and growing
problem in British Columbia that can affect us all. Did you know that
chemicals and fumes produced in a meth lab pose a risk of fire and
explosions, and can expose neighbours to dangerous toxins, fumes and
hazardous by-products?

Even more disturbing is the impact crystal meth use is having on the
lives of our young people.

According to recent studies, approximately five per cent of B.C.
students in grades 7-12 may have used methamphetamine. That's about
17,000 young people. That's a staggering number. And crystal meth use
is much higher among some groups of at-risk youths.

Studies also show that most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in
grades 9 or 10. So if we're going to stop kids from trying crystal
meth, we need to reach them before they are in Grade 9 - when they
are in Grade 6 or 7.

And that's just what we are doing.

The provincial government recently rolled out a $3-million classroom
and public education campaign aimed directly at youth, parents and
teachers. We have been working with addiction experts at the Centre
for Addiction Research of B.C., located at the University of
Victoria, to develop the very best crystal meth resources for our
schools and the public.

Research done by these experts shows that young people are much more
influenced by people with whom they have a steady and trusted
relationship, such as friends, parents and teachers, than incorrect
information and scare tactics. That's why our school program features
tools and resources for students, parents and teachers. The classroom
lessons begin in Grade 6 and the resources continue through Grade 12.
They will help our young people make healthy choices about what they
put in their bodies - choices that will ultimately affect their
mental, physical and emotional development.

Research shows that students retain information when it is
interactive, practical and relevant to them. So we have developed
classroom activities such as games and tips for handling certain
situations, like how to stay safe when they are out with their
friends or how to say no to peer pressure, and activities they can
take home to use with their parents.

We have also developed a website at www.no2meth.ca that has
information, tools and resources for students, parents and teachers.
For students, there are sections on meth facts, how to talk to your
parents about drugs, and how to stay safe when you are out with your friends.

For parents, there are sections on why kids do drugs, as well as tips
on how to talk to your child about drugs, and what protective steps
to take before your child is exposed to drugs. We have also printed a
parents' guide to crystal meth that will be available through schools.