YOUNG PEOPLE AND DRUGS BROCHURE

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14 February 2012).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse has been advised:

1. The Parent Easy Guide 'Young people and drugs' is informed by The South Australian Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy 2011-16, which provides an evidence-based response that aligns with South Australia's Strategic Plan and national agreements, such as the National Drug Strategy 2010-15, and the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes strategy to improve indigenous health.

The Parent Easy Guide seeks to communicate what the data on drug use shows. Illegal drug use is incredibly harmful, as is the abuse of legal drugs. Therefore it is important that parents are accurately informed of the risks associated with all drugs.

2. The Parent Easy Guide does not say 'concern about illegal drugs in the media is overstated'. The Parent Easy Guide states:

We live in a drug-taking society. While there's a lot of concern about illegal drugs in the media, the most harm and greatest risk to young people comes from using legal drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes and medicines. More young people are involved in violence, are hospitalised or die from alcohol-related causes than from illegal drugs.