DRUG TIPS IN SCHOOL

SCHOOL children are getting tips on smoking marijuana from a taxpayer-funded
pamphlet.

A leaflet advising school-age cannabis users to avoid bongs and take only
small puffs from joints has been released to about 400 young people.

The Staying Safe - Cannabis pamphlet, written by Thornbury Darebin Secondary
College students, is part of an experimental drug education program funded
by the Federal Government.

The Year 10 students have also made a video showing a pupil smoking a bong,
which was played to the school's Year 9 students yesterday.

Program co-ordinator Tracee Tromp described the $37,000 project as a
courageous attempt to minimise the harm caused by drugs.

"It may shock but unfortunately this is a reality we need to address," she
said. "We're trying to keep kids safe and acknowledge the reality of what is
happening in schools."

The leaflet warns those who cook with cannabis to expect a delayed effect:
"Wait - don't use more! And remember you'll feel stoned longer."

It also includes contact numbers for counselling services and advice on
helping drug users who hallucinate or become ill.

And it lists possible ramifications of cannabis use, including damage to
brain cells, "problems making babies", trouble with the law and unplanned
and unsafe sex.

The Year 10 students - whose parents signed forms approving their
participation - have also made a video on 20 ways to say no to drugs at a
party, and they plan an information card on inhalants.

Centre for Youth Drug Studies spokesman Geoff Munro said the pamphlet
contained useful information but he emphasised there was no safe way to use
marijuana.

He said it was unusual to show someone smoking a bong: "Traditionally drug
education has stayed away from demonstrating drug use because it may show
people how to use a drug they otherwise could not use."

But 16-year-old Dwight Smith, who acted in the video, defended the film. "If
people want to go out and smoke they're going to do that. It's better if
they know the effects," he said.

Principals and parents gave qualified support to the scheme last night.

Victorian Secondary Principals Association president Ted Brierley last night
said it was acceptable for regions where cannabis use was prevalent.

And Victorian Federation of State School Parents Clubs president Beth
Sheffield said the "radical" program was helpful - as long as parents were
well informed.