Young people to learn about the reality of cannabis use
Young people in Northern Ireland have tried cannabis more than any other illegal substance, and to highlight the real effects of the drug the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) has launched new web based information and a competition aimed at teenagers.
The latest information on www.up-2-you.net is particularly aimed at pupils in school years 8, 9 and 10 as research shows that more than one in four (27%) pupils aged 11 to 16 years have been offered cannabis and 18% have used cannabis.1
Victoria Creasy, Senior Manager for Public Health at the HPA, said: �There is a general belief that cannabis is less harmful than other drugs but in fact heavy use of cannabis can cause severe lung damage, lung cancer, heart problems, worsen asthma and weaken the immune system. We also know that smoking cannabis can be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing heart problems and may lead to panic attacks and paranoia.
�The use of cannabis may also worsen mental health problems in individuals who have existing, or are vulnerable to, mental health problems. As well as health implications, cannabis can cause relationship and money problems and can lead to accidents and trouble with the law.�
A new section on cannabis has been added to the HPA website for young people. www.up-2-you.net now includes information on what cannabis is and how it is used, why young people use it, the health effects and other consequences as well as the legal implications and practical advice on what to do in an emergency.
END
Notes to the Editor
The health website aimed at 11 to 14 year olds, www.up-2-you.net provides details on smoking, passive smoking, alcohol, drugs and mental health.
The competition involves answering three questions based on the cannabis and alcohol sections of the website. Competition entry cards and posters will be distributed to all post-primary schools, and youth organisations throughout Northern Ireland in December 2007. The competition closing date is: Friday 14 March 2008.
Young people entering the competition can win:
- a Nintendo Wii console
- a Nintendo DS handheld plus game
- an iPod nano
- a camera mobile phone
- vouchers for a leading sports or clothes shop
For media enquiries contact:
Rosie McGaughey at the HPA on Tel: 028 9031 1611.
1Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Secondary analysis of the 2003 young persons behaviour and attitudes survey (drugs, solvents and alcohol). Belfast: DHSSPS, November 2005.
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