Young people should not use dangerous substances - Ruane

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, has urged young people not to put their health at risk through the use of harmful substances such as Mephedrone.

The Minister said: "I am very aware of the dreadful impact that Mephedrone can have on the lives of children and young people who experiment with it. Sadly, this substance is one of many that can have a tragic effect on their lives and that of their families.

"We need to take every step we can to raise awareness of the risks associated with the use of all drugs and other harmful substances. Schools and youth services have an important role to play in educating all our children and young people about the effects of legal and illegal substances and the risks and consequences of their misuse.

"I would support the call to consider the banning of Mephedrone and similar substances, which do nothing but bring misery and real health risks to users and their families.

"The revised curriculum provides opportunities for young people to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to deal with issues such as drugs and alcohol. Schools have access to resource materials that include sections on drugs and alcohol awareness. They are also supported in the delivery of drugs and alcohol education by the education and library boards' drugs and alcohol education officers.

"I would urge all schools to make full use of the resources and training available to them to ensure that the risk to our young people is minimised. Every opportunity must be taken to help them understand the dangers and dreadful consequences of using drugs which, although they are currently 'legal' to sell and are marked not for human consumption, are in fact very harmful indeed."

Notes to editors:

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