MINISTERS WARN 11-YEAR-OLDS OF DRUGS DANGERS

CHILDREN as young as 11 are being targeted in a UKP1.5 million Government
advertising campaign that warns of the dangers of ecstasy, heroin and cocaine.

Ministers are urging young people to think of the long-term side effects
and potentially fatal consequences of taking drugs. Posters are being
displayed at nightspots, where young people may be tempted to dabble with
drugs over the holiday period. They will also be on display at colleges and
backed by radio and magazine advertising.

A Home Office spokesman said: "New Year's Eve is the year's biggest party
night so we have launched this important initiative in time. We have been
told by 220,000 16- to 19-year-olds that they use Class A drugs at least
once a year. Up to 675,000 in the same age group take illegal drugs of any
kind."

Bob Ainsworth, the Home Office minister, said: "Drug-related deaths make
headlines, but what many young people do not know about are the less
dramatic side effects of taking Class A drugs. These can include long-term
medical problems such as panic attacks, paranoia, depression, sleeplessness
and heart problems.

"Many young people get their information about illegal drugs from their
friends, from drug dealers or from urban myths. A lot of people say a lot
of things about drugs, but the National Drugs Helpline knows the facts. All
calls are confidential and the line is open 24 hours a day."

Hazel Blears, the health minister, said the Government was determined to
improve the quality of help it gave to vulnerable young people. "They must
have access to all the information and support they need in order to avoid
the tragedy of drug misuse."

The campaign advises people to call the National Drugs Helpline, on 0800
776600 for reliable information about the dangers of drugs. Last year the
advice line received 275,000 inquiries from callers with an average age of 16.