SCHOOLS, DOCTORS TO HOLD NATIONAL DRUG SUMMIT

Schools across Australia will hold drug summits to train teachers to spot young children on drugs.

The move is aimed at turning teachers into front-line anti-drugs crusaders.  Parliamentary secretary for education Trish Worth said teachers would be trained to recognise the early signs of drug use, as well as educate children about the dangers.

The Federal Government's Tough On Drugs In Schools program has sponsored a satellite television broadcast to doctors and teachers from every school and general practitioner's surgery in Australia.

The program aims to get schools to hold their own drug summits to address the issue of abuse, and use doctors and teachers to educate young people about the risks of taking drugs.

"Schools will be funded so they can have their own summits and educational material," Ms Worth said.

"Prevention and early intervention are vital tools in the war against children's use of illicit and unsanctioned drugs."