Under-11s targeted in anti-drugs drive

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Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today admitted that Britain's battle against addiction needs to be stepped up.

She said: "I want to sharpen our focus, target the most vulnerable and educate the young. Education is a vital part of our strategy."

Ms Smith, who admitted last week to having smoked cannabis while at university, is launching a nationwide consultation on how to tackle the drugs culture.

A key question is how schools could better educate children about the dangers of drugs. Such a move could be controversial. Some parents may welcome it, but others may fear that it could lead to their children experimenting with drugs.

However, Children's Secretary Ed Balls signalled that ministers are planning to put more importance on teaching youngsters about drugs.

He said: "Drugs can ruin lives, which is why those who are working to help young people need to understand why they might be tempted to use drugs and offer them the support they need.

"By asking all schools to continue to provide effective drugs education we can help young people avoid using drugs in the first place. We know this kind of work can be really effective."

The consultation paper states that 17 per cent of 11- to 15-year-olds say they have used drugs. The aim is to draw up a fresh drugs strategy from March next year.