School defends meth info

Principal says tips for using P contained in notes for students were taken out of context

The principal of a high school under scrutiny for providing information on how to use methamphetamine is standing by the material as a “very good” educational resource.

Massey High School principal Glen Denham addressed criticism on Newstalk ZB last night after it emerged that the “information notice” was made available to Level 3 health students as part of a wider project on drug use in New Zealand.

The material, which can also be found on the drughelp.org.nz website, features 10 “keeping well” tips for using meth.

“When taking meth eat something every four to five hours, drink more water than normal,” it says.

“If using a gas pipe, clean the inside regularly to remove butt residue which could be inhaled.”

The final, most controversial tip reads: “Meth is illegal, it’s also illegal to own a pipe. Be discrete [sic] and only keep 5 grams for personal use.”

The school stressed yesterday that it did not condone illegal drug use or drugs on the school campus, and says it does not teach its pupils how to use drug instruments. Denham said the information, reported by concerned parents, was taken out of context.

“It was two pages out of 25 — amongst over 600 resources that were available to the kids,” he said.

“The parents that got on to it, who we have spoken to, took it out of context. We have some brilliant young people coming through New Zealand, some 17- and 18-year-olds, taught by fantastic teachers, and I think we are underestimating their ability to be discerning.”

Denham said he was comfortable with the information that described how to use methamphetamine, saying it was a “very good brochure”.

“In the context of the whole thing, the book talks about the detriments of using methamphetamine, how it destroys relationships and opportunities and is a killer of young people.”

The Drug Foundation has backed Massey High’s use of the material.

Executive director Ross Bell said people needed to understand the context that the material was used in.

“This booklet hasn’t been given out as part of a drug curriculum, it’s been given out as a wider social investigation on various issues with meth.”

Massey High says the “information notice” made available to students was provided by the Health Ministry.

A ministry spokesperson said the booklet and website information were designed to help adult users to stop or reduce use, and weren’t “specifically” for use at schools.

But Sarah Clare, whose son is a Year 11 student at Massey High, said the material was encouraging drug use, not stopping it.

Clare said the comment “be discreet and only keep less than 5g for personal use” was shocking.

Anti-drug organisation Methcon said the Drug Foundation’s “harm minimisation” approach was “flawed and dangerous, particularly when discussing methamphetamine”.

Ministry of Education deputy secretary Katrina Casey said it was aware of the concerns raised, and if parents had concerns they should raise them with their school.