Cannabis case prompts tighter policy in selection of anti-drugs ambassadors
The selection of anti-drug ambassadors will be handled with more care in future, says the chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics after a recent cannabis case involving two local singers.
Daniel Shek Tan-lei said the committee would discuss the issue at the end of the month. He said inviting singers to perform at anti-drug events and concerts was helpful in attracting teenagers, but he stressed that choosing appropriate ambassadors was important, otherwise the promotion strategy could be ruined.
Pop singers Jill Vidal and Kelvin Kwan Chor-yiu were arrested in Japan on suspicion of shoplifting and drug possession, after a small amount of cannabis was allegedly found on Kwan. The pair took part in a government anti-drug campaign two years ago.
Asked whether the committee would continue inviting singers to be ambassadors, Professor Shek said it was unfair to label all artists as drug users but better care was needed.
The Taskforce on Youth Drug Abuse has recommended a voluntary school-based drug-testing scheme, with the purpose of early intervention for treatment and rehabilitation. A pilot scheme will be conducted in several schools next year.
Professor Shek said he would prefer a compulsory drug-testing scheme, which would identify drug users early. He stressed that the scheme would not be aimed at charging drug abusers but at aiding them. A consultation paper will be launched at the end of the year.
According to a survey by the Professional Teachers' Union, the problem of drug abuse is serious in local schools. The 177 students the union interviewed who were in the process of quitting drugs came from 116 schools, including band one schools.
Professor Shek said the effectiveness of current anti-drug education would be evaluated, as it should convey more than mere knowledge about the consequences of taking drugs and should also include the development of life skills and 'social emotional competence'.
