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Anti-drug preventive education begins at schools (with photos)
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    The Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr Raymond Wong, and more than 500 school principals and educators from primary and secondary schools took part in an anti-drug seminar today (July 4) to map out strategies to fight against youth drug abuse.

    At the seminar, Mr Wong Yan Lung said, "About half of the young drug abusers first take drugs when they are 15 or below.  Schools therefore play a pivotal role in our battle against drug abuse.  Holding the fort in drug preventive education, we should promptly enhance students' knowledge in drug abuse and mental health."

    He said, "We notice that many young people have misconceptions about psychotropic substances.  They wrongly believe that ketamine and 'ice' are not addictive or harmful to health.  Some also think that taking these drugs is not an offence.  When compared with traditional drugs like herion, the effects of psychotropic substances are less easily identified.  As a result, abusers may treat the consequences lightly.  The most important task now is to strive for the success of our preventive work, enhancing students' drug knowledge and resistance against temptations."

    Mr Wong Yan Lung noted that some schools were mindful of the labeling effect arising from their participation in drug education as this might be mistaken as a sign of trouble.  He therefore urged school principals to dispel these worries.

    "The 'Not Now Not Ever' anti-drug campaign was launched on June 28.  A father who had a drug-taking son bravely shared his experience on that occasion.  I hope you all will also share information and experience openly and promote a 'Healthy School' policy with an anti-drug element.  I also hope you will join the whole community in fostering a caring culture for the youth and empower them in the fight against drug abuse."

    Mr Raymond Wong said at the seminar, the Education Bureau would enhance the anti-drug preventive education in four areas, namely, assisting schools to promote the anti-drug 'Healthy School' policy with an anti-drug element; enhancing anti-drug preventive education and measures; identifying high risk students at an early stage; and strengthening high risk students' case referral and support.

    "Schools have always been concerned about students' physical and mental well-being.  Besides educating students to cultivate a healthy lifestyle and do more exercises, we also emphasise their mental and intellectual development.  Therefore, we encourage them to participate in healthy activities and community services, etc, to build up a good personality," he said.

    "We suggest each school should assign an experienced teacher to co-ordinate all health-related matters, establish a caring environment for learning, and a congenial and supportive atmosphere, as well as encourage students to lead a healthy way of life.  Schools should ensure each staff member on campus understands and supports the 'Healthy School' policy.  Schools should also review and assess their school-based policy and make necessary improvements," he continued.

    "We hope schools can make use of the 'Healthy School' platform to formulate an effective anti-drug preventive education policy.  Schools can begin with curriculum planning and teaching strategy to equip students with drug knowledge, and correct their misconceptions about psychotropic substance abuse, hence instilling in them a sense of the dangers of drug abuse."

    The Education Bureau would encourage teachers to undertake further studies and schools to enhance training for management staff, teachers involved in discipline and counselling work, and school social workers.  Through the deepening of their drug knowledge, drug education at schools could be strengthened.  In order to identify students-at-risk, the bureau encouraged schools to adopt whole school approach in counselling and guidance, and to pay attention to the personal development of students.  Moreover, the bureau would formulate clear working guidelines and procedures to help teachers in handling high risk cases and providing support, referral and follow-up action.

    Mr Raymond Wong said, "In order to combat drugs effectively, we must stop its supply and cut its demand.  We hope schools will adopt the 'Healthy School' policy, implement effective anti-drug preventive education, and will help students to gain knowledge on drugs and correct their misconceptions about psychotropic substance abuse."

    At the seminar, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang King-shing exchanged views with school heads on how the Police could work with schools to build a drug-free campus.  Professor Daniel Shek from the Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, discussed why youth take drugs following an evidence-based approach.  The Chairman of the Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation, Action Committee Against Narcotics, Dr Ben Cheung introduced the latest threats and trends of taking psychotropic substances.  Lastly, the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Subsidised Secondary Schools Council, Principal Wong She-lai, and the Chairperson of the Subsidised Primary Schools Council, Principal Tang Kwai-tai, shared their experience in practising anti-drug preventive education in schools.

    According to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse, the number of reported young drug abusers under 21 rose by 33% in three years since 2004 and reached more than 2,900 in 2007.  Among these abusers, 99% took psychotropic substances like ketamine and ecstasy.  The average age of first abuse dropped from 16 in 2004 to 15 in 2007.

Ends/Friday, July 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:56

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