Pupils act out effects of drugs

Teachers say role-playing is very effective.

Primary school pupils will be encouraged to act out the effects of LSD and cannabis as part of an anti-drug programme.

The 11-year-olds at Daubeney School in Hackney, north east London, are using role play to highlight the harmful effects of drug-taking.

The scheme is based on two books written by Kent-based Chris Scanlan and published by Little Octopus Publishing.

Pioneers hope the programme will drive home a strong anti-drugs message.

Teacher Pat Winyard is a teacher at Daubeney School carrying out the programme which is based on the education booklet Drugs Centre Stage.

Programme critics

"The programme that we're following is most definitely an anti-drugs message programme," she insisted.

"So far we have gone from the knowledge of the children - what they already know. It flags up the vulnerability of a lot of children and they must be aware at this age because very soon they are going to be approached."

The programme has so far covered alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking and over-the-counter drugs - but will soon move onto cannabis and harder drugs.

Critics of the scheme say the scheme could have the opposite effect and could allow children to experiment.

But Chris Scanlon, from Tunbridge Wells and author of the book Drugs Centre Stage, said: "It's a resources book for teachers and they know their students best and they guide them away from any possibility of experimentation."