EDUCATION TRUSTEES CALL FOR PLAN TO ADDRESS CRYSTAL METH

Heightened use of crystal methamphetamine-also known as ice, glass, crank
and zip-has Surrey parents concerned about what schools are doing to
address the issue.

Trustee Kim Evoy presented a motion to school board Thursday, asking
district staff develop an education plan to address public concern about
meth use "and the damaging effects of its abuse on students and others."

She said parents aren't saying their children are using the highly
addictive substance, rather that the concern seems to be spawned from
recent media coverage, including a feature in The Peace Arch News earlier
this month.

"We have done a lot of educating about marijuana, tobacco and alcohol,"
Evoy said.

"As for this particular drug, we haven't particularly focussed on it."

Crystal meth is highly addictive as it sends chemicals to areas of the
brain that regulate pleasure. It increases wakefulness and physical
activity and decreases appetite.

It can be crushed into powder and snorted, smoked in a pipe, injected, or
swallowed.

It is also incredibly inexpensive, with users able to maintain their habit
for as little as $5 a day.

A 2002 survey of 2,000 Lower Mainland students showed 19 per cent had tried
crystal meth, and the average age for first use was 14.

"It's potentially a huge draw for youth," Evoy said.

"The public needs to know we're aware of what's going on and that we're
doing something about it. If we can save even one young person from the
devastating effects of that drug, it'll be worth it."

A staff report is due back to the board by next spring.

- -with files from Julia Caranci