New text service tells teens of drugs dangers
23 May 2006
New text service tells teens of drugs dangers
A new mobile phone text alert service was launched today by the Drugs Awareness Programme with sponsorship from The Vodafone Ireland Foundation to provide people with urgent advice on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Young people offered illegal drugs can find out the effects they can have on their life or health within seconds by texting the name of the drug to 50100.
Conor Hickey, director of the Catholic social care agency, Crosscare, said the text service aimed at young people could prove a vital support that may save their lives.
A recent Prevalence survey revealed that 66% of those who have taken illegal drugs took them for the first time while at secondary school.
Mr Hickey said the service recognised the reality that every night in clubs, bars and streets around the country another young person was being offered drugs for the first time.
"Drug abuse has ruined so many lives and will continue to do so unless we relentlessly pursue raising awareness using whatever media reaches out to young people," he said.
"Despite all that we have learned in Ireland about drug use and abuse, when you are 13 or 14, it can be all new to you. This service gives clear, concise information in an instant and could save lives."
The 50100 Virtual Outreach text service was developed by Crosscare's Drug Awareness Programme on the back a study which found as many as one in five people in Ireland are reported to have used illegal drugs, with higher rates among young people.
A study carried out in 2005 revealed 37% of the students interviewed between the ages of 15 to 24 had used cannabis while a further 3% had experimented with cocaine.
By texting the name of the drug to 50100 the person will be sent a brief text message highlighting the dangers involved in taking it and where to get more information on it.
The service, which is backed by The Vodafone Ireland Foundation and Puca Technologies, recognises the hundreds of variations, code words and street language used around illegal drugs.
Mr Hickey said the service would also work to keep parents informed of what substances their children may be offered, or could be using.
The information supplied by the 50100 text service, which will initially be available on a pilot basis for six months, will also include a phone number and web address for further advice.