Jacqui Dean National Party MP

22 November 2006

Drugs major cause of school suspensions

Drugs have replaced alcohol as the major cause of school suspensions, says National MP Jacqui Dean.

Ministry of Education officials told Parliament's Education and Science Select Committee today that 29% of suspensions last year were for the misuse of drugs.

"It is very concerning that the misuse of drugs has replaced the abuse of alcohol as a major concern for the Ministry of Education," says Mrs Dean.

"Alarm bells should be ringing for the Associate Minister of Health, Jim Anderton. When will he wake up to the harm being done to our young people, and tighten up regulations around the availability of substances like BZP-based party pills and Salvia Divinorum?

"Jim Anderton should take heed of the growing drug culture in our schools, and act immediately to shut down the availability of these substances.

"Far too many New Zealanders, including children and teenagers, are having their health adversely affected by these substances. It's also clear they are affecting young people at school."

Mrs Dean's petition to clamp down on the sale of party pills is being considered by the Health Select Committee.

ENDS

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