It has been known for some time that the drugs problem in Bradford's schools and in the playgrounds has been on the increase. It is a constant source of concern that so many children at so young an age are being exposed to drugs and in some cases becoming addicted. Latest figures showing that there are 20 youngsters under the age of 15 among Bradford's 1,800 registered heroin addicts must sicken the hearts of all parents.

Addiction destroys individuals and families. It also promotes crime. Last week's publication of the Crime and Disorder Audit spotlighted the extent of the problem and identified drugs abuse as probably the biggest crime problem facing the district.

Obviously urgent steps are needed to alert children at an early age to the temptations which will be put in their way as dealers seek new recruits for the growing army of juvenile users. One of the best examples of that is the Bradford Life caravan, which tours the schools explaining to young children the dangers of dabbling in various addictive substances.

Unfortunately, though, that caravan cannot be everywhere all the time. So the new plan for primary school teachers to be trained as drugs co-ordinators is a very welcome move. Having them keep their eyes open for danger signs as well as taking over anti-drugs education for their school is a step in the right direction.

If the dealers are targeting the grass roots, so must the anti-drugs campaign, to get it into children's heads at a very early age that drugs are bad, bad, bad whatever anyone might tell them to the contrary.

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