Comic books designed to warn juveniles about dangers of drug use

10/9/97

Police have recruited the creative talents of school students to send a powerful anti-drugs message to Western Australia's teenage population.

Police Minister John Day said the students had decided that an 'easy to read' comic book style was the most appropriate way to convey information about drug awareness and the aftermath of dealing in drugs to teenagers.

Two comic books called 'Caution' - which have been designed to appeal to different age groups - have been prepared and 6,000 copies will be distributed to schools, police stations and police alcohol and drug advisers.

"With more than 1,100 juveniles being cautioned last year on the dangers of drugs police needed an effective medium to prevent their warnings falling on deaf ears," he said.

"The comic books are presented in a realistic, but acceptable style for teenagers to understand and enjoy.

"The books clearly communicate to young people how drugs can lead to a criminal lifestyle by looking at the social consequences of a drug conviction."

Mr Day said the schools involved in the development of the comics included Perth Modern School, Applecross, Girrawheen and Morley Senior High Schools.

"Students were asked their advice on the content of script dialogue, graphics and stylistic approach and then TAFE art and design students developed the graphics," he said.

"It is a young person's resource developed by young people."

The two comic books include the same dialogue, but different graphics - one appealing to under 15s and the other for those 15 years and over. There are three characters - Matt, Justin and Nicole. Matt has been cautioned by police. Justin and Nicole proceed to highlight some of the problems that could have happened to their friend Matt if he had been charged rather than cautioned.

Mr Day said the comics would be distributed on a 12 month trial period.

Media contact: Mark Thompson on (08) 9322 2311