EARLIER DRUG INTERVENTION WANTED AT SCHOOLS

Abbotsford school board chairman John Smith is concerned the district isn't
intervening enough with student smoking prevention strategies at an early age.

"The numbers [of kids smoking] don't drop, they keep going up," he said.
"Plus, smoking is a gateway drug. We need more education on smoking too."

Assistant superintendent Bruce Ivany, a member of the district's drug
strategy committee, said the smoking and drug prevention program, is
becoming more prevalent in elementary schools.

"It's something we've been focusing on," said Ivany, noting that 15
elementary schools use the Lions-Quest program. School trustee Don Szostak
took the argument further, saying education on drugs and alcohol also needs
to be increased. He said it's important for kids caught with drugs for
selling or consumption to be educated, not just suspended.