Kids get ‘booze buster’ lessons
GLASGOW schoolkids were given an education on the dangers of drugs and alcohol at a special Choices for Life event which was held in the city’s South Side.
Police Scotland invited around 100 pupils from eight secondary schools to attend the fun event which ran from 10am to 3pm at Toryglen Football Centre yesterday.
As well as highlighting the dangers of alcohol and drugs, the Choices for Life event also aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of child sexual exploitation.
Key messages around the dangers that such exploitation can present, and how it can impact on young people, were delivered to the pupils.
There were several partners involved in the Choices for Life event who offered their educational input.
They included organisations such as Barnardo’s, Clearer Choices and NSPCC who attended to provide the pupils present with the information and knowledge, so that they can make informed decisions and positive lifestyle choices.
Chief Inspector David Pettigrew, of Greater Glasgow Division, said: “I want my officers to be visible and known to our communities.
“Schools and young people play a pivotal role in this. ‘Keeping People Safe’ is always our primary message and this day is designed to increase pupil awareness and positive engagement with the police.
“I am delighted that our partners have been involved at an early stage and their input and expertise has been crucial in the development of this fantastic event”
The pupils took part in rugby, football and street dance sessions.
They also sampled some Choice for Life tools such as beer goggles.
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), the Scottish Football Association (SFA), and A&M Scotland offered their sporting expertise to make the workshops possible.
Choices for Life is an innovative and educational initiative delivered by Police Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.
The main objective of the initiative is to raise awareness amongst young people aged 11 to 18 years old about the risks and dangers of substance use and misuse, including tobacco, alcohol, drugs and so-called ‘legal highs’.