PROVINCE CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO FIGHT METH USE

STATISTICS

According to recent studies of B.C. secondary school students, approximately five per cent of students in grades 7-12 may have used methamphetamine.

· The vast majority of students (86 per cent according to one survey) have never used any of the so-called “party drugs”, including crystal meth and ecstasy;

· Most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in grades 9 or 10;

Studies show that 20 per cent of people who use crystal meth become dependent.

GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT

At the 2005 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, Premier Gordon Campbell committed $7 million in funding for new initiatives to fight crystal meth use. The funding included:

· $1 million for school-based initiatives.

· $2 million for a public education campaign.

· $2 million to help communities and First Nations by providing $10,000 seed grants to assist in their local response to the problem of crystal meth.

· $2 million for targeted treatment programs.

· Regional forums organized by the Solicitor General to inform communities about the dangers of crystal meth use, and through enhanced knowledge, help communities reduce use.

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Classroom resources: This will include age-appropriate lesson plans dealing with substance use. The lessons will be delivered in a number of ways that engage students, such as games and projects.

Teachers will receive resources that support the classroom lessons. Teachers will be able to access resources at www.no2meth.ca online.

Parent resources: In addition to being able to access content on the www.no2meth.ca website, the Ministry of Education is publishing a parents’ guide. It will include information such as:

· What is crystal meth?

· What are the health risks associated with its use?

· Why do kids use drugs?

· How to talk to your child about substance use; and

· Other useful resources and links related to substance use.

Student resources: The interactive website www.no2meth.ca was created to complement in-class learning. It includes information like:

· What is crystal meth and what is it made from?

· What does crystal meth do to you?

· What are the long term effects? and

· What can you do to stop a friend from doing crystal meth?

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Media contact:	Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.