ANTI-DRUGS EDUCATION COMPULSORY

Every secondary school and 80% of primary schools in England must have an
anti-drugs education policy in place by the year 2003, the government has
demanded.

Announcing that funding for drugs awareness programmes will rise by $10m
over the next four years, Education Secretary David Blunkett said every
child must know about the dangers of drugs.

"We recognise illegal drugs can pose huge and deep-rooted problems for
individuals, families and society," Mr Blunkett said.

"The money I am announcing today will help schools develop and sustain good
quality drug education programmes.

2003 deadline

"Our target is that all secondary and 80% of primary schools must have a
drug education policy in place by 2003," he said.

"Currently, 93% of secondary and 75% of primary schools do so," he added.

Drug awareness education must be made relevant to the circumstances in
which youngsters live, Mr Blunkett warned.

"This means active support for pupils and their families whose lives are
affected by drugs, often from support groups based in the community."

Mr Blunkett gave details of the fnding as the drugs "czar" Keith Hellawell
published his annual report on the government's 10-year drive to reduce
substance abuse.

Touring Holland Park School in London with Cabinet Office Minister Mo
Mowlam and Mr Hellawell, Mr Blunkett, said juvenile drug abuse was usually
connected to other problems such as crime and truancy.

Earlier Ms Mowlam had signalled there may be a softening of the
government's hardline approach to the legalisation of cannabis.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, she said a number of scientific trials on the drug
were drawing to a close and action could follow soon.

The government claims the extra money for anti-drugs programmes inschools
will: support training for teachers so professionals have the right skills
provide training for Connexions Advisers on drug issues ensure all schools
have access to a local drugs adviser and pupils at risk get support in and
out of school.