Students tops in national drugs media competition

NORTHSIDE students were amongst the winners announced earlier this month at an awards ceremony for a national drugs competition.

Colaiste Eoin, Finglas, scooped first prize in the 12-14 Audio Category while St David’s CB, Artane, were tops in the 12-14 Film/animation category in the Drugs.ie ‘Let’s Talk About Drugs’ Youth Media Awards 2016.

This annual competition encourages discussion of drug-related issues by inviting young people aged between 12-25 to produce a short video, an audio recording or a written piece relating to drug or alcohol use.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour TV and radio presenter Eoghan McDermott said: “Drug use is a problem across all age groups and all sectors of society, and youth are no exception to this.

“To have a project which encourages young people to think about drugs and drug use, to start a conversation with their peers and to create such wonderful resources is simply fantastic.

“It’s important to empower young people to think critically, to investigate the evidence, to talk with their peers – these are all skills that are essential in life.”

Tony Duffin, Director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, which supports the awards, congratulated the winners.

“Not all young people take illicit or unknown drugs, and it is always safest not to do so,” he said.

“However, young people do use drugs, and that is harmful. We want to reduce the chances of harm from drug related injuries or deaths; and the devastating impact that these have on families, friends and communities.

“That’s why we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that meaningful messages get through to this target group via the drugs.ie Media Awards.

“The overall winning entry ends on a peer-to-peer call to action for young people to educate themselves about drug use and the potential risks involved. Ultimately this is what the Drugs.ie Media Awards is about.”