SCHOOLS WEBSITE IS LINKED TO DRUG TIPS

A DRUGS education website launched yesterday by the Government links
directly to another site that tells young people how to enjoy their first
LSD "trip".

The official website, set up by the Institute for the Study of Drug
Dependence and partly funded by the Department for Education and Employment,
does not endorse other drugs information sites but does offer pupils and
teachers direct links to what they consider to be the "most informative".

One of these takes visitors to Cascade, where pupils can send questions
about drugs to the new Mandy and Claire Problem Page. Recommendations
include how to get the most enjoyment out of your first LSD trip and the
"relaxed happiness" that results after smoking marijuana.

Charles Clarke, Minister for Schools, launched the official site, which
offers the latest research, names of regional drug action teams and
recommended abuse prevention policy. At the Forest Gate Community School in
Newham, East London, Mr Clarke said: "We believe young people must be made
aware of the risks before they are likely to be drawn into experimentation."

Checked-by: Don Beck