Drugs: What Kids Know
Newcastle Herald
Thursday May 11, 2006
COMMUNITIES everywhere suffer serious effects from drug use. The effects of drugs on families can include suffering through loss of a family member, dealing with an addict in the family, addicts stealing to afford their habit, and drugs and needles being left behind in public places after use.
A day at the beach can be dangerous because of the risk of treading on needles. Even students at schools can be at risk of treading on needles left behind by drug users, as was the case recently at Wyee.Drugs are costly. The high rate of robbery is directly linked to drug use. Our communities suffer because of people's irresponsibility, with their addictive habits causing harm, disease and even death to others.In a recent survey of children at Wyee Public School, all students, from kindergarten to year 6, were interviewed. By year 6 all students were able to identify what a drug was and how it affected people. From the survey it was clear that once the students take part in drug education at school they have better knowledge.
© 2006 Newcastle Herald