Anti-alcohol & drug campaign targets the under-age

CENTRAL Government is introducing a programme aimed at warning the under-age of the dangers of alcohol consumption and drug taking.
Carmen Moya of the Health Ministry said yesterday the plans do not entail introducing new laws to regulate consumption but rather campaigns which highlight awareness and prevention.

She explained that what the government is wanting to do is implicate the responsibility of the wider society in stopping young people from damaging their health through drink and drugs at an early age.

She added though that sometimes children pay more heed to people outside the home than they do within it, hence the need to get the help of social organisations in channelling children's energy away from consumption into sports and cultural activities. Moya pointed out however, that not enough support is given to protecting the under-age in advertising and the media. The government is reported to be “working” on this issue.

Meanwhile, in the Balearics, between this year and last, the Central Government delegation has succeeded in bringing down the number of drug-related deaths by half through awareness campaigns and through collaboration with the leisure industry.