Australian drugs ads campaign impacting

[klaatu]

Drugs ads campaign impacting, says Pyne
Sydney Morning Herald
March 12, 2006

The federal government says its latest anti-drugs advertising campaign is making a difference, with research showing more young Australians are avoiding drugs.

The ads, warning young people of the dangers of marijuana, ecstasy and speed, were launched in April last year.

Parliamentary health secretary Christopher Pyne said an independent review of the ads showed they were having an impact.

Mr Pyne says 90 per cent of young Australians surveyed said the ads had made them think twice about the consequences of using drugs.

"About two-thirds of the young people surveyed reported that the campaign had influenced them, primarily to avoid using drugs and situations where they are used, and to think about the consequences of using them," he said.

"As well, more than half felt the campaign had made it easier for them to discuss illicit drugs with their parents."

Likewise, most parents felt the ads had made it easier to talk to their children about illegal drugs, My Pyne said.