10-YEAR-OLDS BEING OFFERED DRUGS

SCHOOLCHILDREN as young as 10-years-old are being offered drugs in Northern
Ireland.

A recent survey by the Health Promotion Agency found that almost a quarter
of 10 to 16-year-olds have been offered drugs.

The survey of more than 6,500 young people, also showed that of those who
had been offered drugs, more than half had experimented with them at least
once and a third had continued using drugs.

Another study of more than 1,200 16 to 17- year-olds in 1997 (Almost Adult
by Jean Craig) found over 40% had used drugs and that two thirds of those
who have ever tried drugs were current drugs users.

Robb Phipps, alcohol and drugs programme manager for the Health Promotion
Agency, said: "There is a need to provide young people with credible and
accurate information about the dangers of drugs.

"Children as young as 10 are wanting information because they have heard
about drugs and want to know what they look like."The most popular drug
among young people in the province is cannabis but solvents, which are
easily accessible, are still an issue.

As they grow older they will come across amphetamines, magic mushrooms and
ecstacy.

Even deadly heroin is used by some young people, although it is not thought
to be a major drug of choice here.

"For the 14 to 17- year-olds we try to give them straight forward and
balanced information rather than a patronising 'don't take drugs' message,"
Robb said.

"We have to treat kids as young people with views and opinions who will
listen to what we say and reflect on it.

"There are some young people who have a greater chance of becoming problem
drug users so we want the 'protective factors' to be enhanced.

"The whole drugs campaign is a partnership between us, who are trying to
reduce the demand, and those who are trying to reduce the availability.

"From the work that we do young people do seem to be getting the message
and appear to be more knowledgeable."Frank McGoldrick, from FT
International, talks to young people about drugs in schools and colleges
across the province.

He said: "We tell the truth about drugs - the good and the bad.

"We tell them that drugs are illegal for a reason and it is not because
people do not want them to have fun, it is because they are dangerous.

"The use of drugs is increasing among young people.

"We recently spoke to a group of P7 pupils and I started to speak to them
about solvents but they then said 'Never mind solvents, tell us about blow.'"

The Department of Education issued guidance to schools on drugs misuse in
June 1996.

This included the recommendation that a member of staff was given overall
responsibility for drugs issues within the school.

The National Drugs Helpline can be contacted free and in confidence on 0800
776600.

The Health Promotion Agency has also produced an advice booklet for parents
entitled 'Drugs and Solvents'.