'CHILDREN AGED 10' TAKE DRUGS

CHILDREN as young as 10 are experimenting with drugs in Northern Ireland
while other youngsters are getting involved in dealing, it was claimed today.

Gerry McConville, project co-ordinator with the YouthDrug initiative in
west Belfast, said cannabis was now a "massive, massive problem", with some
children smoking joints during breaks between classes.

The Department of Education is so concerned it has asked all schools in
Northern Ireland to review their drugs education policies.

"The age that young people are taking drugs is going down dramatically,"
said Mr McConville.

"Drugs have dropped in both price and quality which makes it easier for
children to afford them.

"I have dealt with some young people taking blow before school, during the
breaks, after school and at night.

"That means that, as well as excessive use of the drug, they also cannot be
concentrating in school."

The latest research showed that 23% of 11- to 16-year-olds had been offered
drugs.