Pubdate: Tues, 2 Nov 1999 Source: Herald, The (UK) Contact: http://www.theherald.co.uk/ Author: Lynne Robertson BETTS URGES CONCERTED EFFORT ON DRUGS The father of ecstasy victim Leah Betts warned yesterday that hard-pressed teachers should not have to bear sole responsibility for drugs education in schools. Speaking on what would have been his daughter's 22nd birthday, Mr Paul Betts welcomed the Scottish Executive's plan, announced yesterday, to issue draft guidelines for teachers on how to handle drugs incidents in schools. He said: "Teachers are overburdened now and will need a lot of help, a lot of guidance, and a lot of support. It is another tool in an already very heavy handbag. What I do hope is that they will not expect teachers to take over the complete training of drug education and thereby prevent other people from going in and passing on their experience." His comments found support among teachers. Mr Ronnie Smith, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland, said: "Schools do have a role in this. Inevitably you can place the primary responsibility wholly or mainly on schools, which I think would be misguided. I think it has to be broader than that and I think that those with knowledge and expertise must have a role." Mr Betts, who now lives in Scotland, was in Edinburgh to give a series of sponsored talks to pupils in the city and West Lothian as part of a drug awareness programme co-ordinated by Lothian and Borders Police and sponsored by Ethicon, one of the UK's leading suppliers of surgical products. On his visit in March, Mr Betts spoke to around 2000 pupils at schools across west Edinburgh. His latest tour involves visits to seven secondary schools. Speaking about the anniversary, he said: "This is clearly a very painful time for us and launching this latest initiative on the day Leah died, also her birthday, only accentuates the pain. However, it reflects our determination to do all we can to make children aware of the dangers that drugs pose." Scottish Education Minister Sam Galbraith, referring to the new guidelines, said: "Parents can now be reassured that there will be adequate safeguards in place for teachers to deal effectively with incidents. Drawing up guidelines to apply throughout the country will mean a consistent approach in every Scottish school which ensures the safety and welfare of every child." - --- MAP posted-by: manemez j lovitto