Key role for parents in drug education

Two out of every three parents in Northern Ireland are worried that their children may get involved in taking drugs or solvents, according to research commissioned by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland.

The figure was revealed today, the beginning of European Drug Prevention Week, as the Agency launched the third phase of a major public information campaign on drugs.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage parents to talk to their children about drugs. Parents will be targeted with television advertising and support materials.

Speaking at the launch from Sprucefield Shopping Centre, Lisburn, Rob Phipps, Alcohol and Drugs Programme Manager for the Health Promotion Agency said: "We all know that drugs are out there, so young people are at risk of experimenting and becoming involved in more regular drug taking. We also know that young people in Northern Ireland acknowledge the role their parents have in respect of drug education. Young people will listen to their parents about drugs if the information they are receiving is accurate and consistent."

The Agency, as part of the wider Northern Ireland Drugs Campaign, has taken up the challenge for getting the facts across to parents about this very serious issue.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive for the Health Promotion Agency said: "Research conducted to assess adults' knowledge and awareness of illicit drug misuse in Northern Ireland showed that three quarters of adults knew little or nothing about drugs."

Research with 10-17 year olds has shown that young people themselves feel their parents should be providing them with information about drugs.

This third phase of the campaign is focused upon supporting and empowering parents so they are equipped with the knowledge to educate their children about drugs. The campaign focuses on providing parents with clear, concise and accurate information they need about drugs.

Many local activities have been organised for European Drug Prevention Week which will be supported by a range of voluntary and statutory organisations. Activities include drama presentations, information sessions for parents, establishment of support groups and community events such as quizzes. A list of some of the activities is attached.

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The Northern Ireland Drugs Campaign aims to ensure coordinated action against drugs on several fronts. Launched in 1996 it involves a range of Government departments and agencies including the RUC, Customs and Excise, Prison Service, Probation Board, Health Promotion Agency, DENI, DHSS and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. It includes:

• A public information campaign: developed by the Health Promotion Agency, this aims to discourage experimentation among young people and raise awareness of the dangers of drugs.
• A local coordination network: based on the Health and Social Services Boards areas, the network consists of four Drug Coordination Teams. The teams provide a framework for local organisation, both statutory and voluntary, involved in tackling drug misuse to combine their efforts to the best possible effect in their area.
• Drug education training: specialist training courses for teachers have been developed and a comprehensive guidance pack on drugs has also been sent to schools by DENI. Drug education material: additional money was given to schools specifically to buy drug education material which reflects the latest and most effective approach to educating young people about the dangers of drugs. Specialist information:
  Illicit drug use in Northern Ireland: A handbook for professionals was produced and widely distributed by the Health Promotion Agency and is regularly updated to keep the information current.
• Research: The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency has developed a research strategy which will inform the coordinated efforts at all levels. This includes the gathering of information on young people's knowledge of drugs to help further develop the public information campaign and the mapping of drug-related activity in each Health and Social Services Board area Tuesday 1 December 1998.