Hello and welcome to It’s a Fact!I’m Nicolas... ...and I’m Marla, and this

is our dog Eddie.

Today we are talking about Drug Abuse.

First we’ll show you how to be a winner with our cool video game about living

responsibly and making the right choices.Then Sgt. Williams will tell

us about three harmful substances that will prevent you from being the very best

that you can be...

...and in our fun rhyme about making decisions, you’ll see that it really does matter

how you approach a problem, and how you think about it.

Commitment

Obey Rules

Health Hazard

Friendship

Don’t Get Angry

Just Say No

Success

Parent’s Advice

Addiction

LIFE

LIFE

LIFE

Your friend invites you to a party

that is on at the same time as a cricket

match you are playing in. Do You Stick To

Cricket or head to the Party?

You’re in the playground at school and

a student pushes you off the swing. Do

You Go to talk to your teacher or Do You

fight in anger?

Your mum asks you TO go to the market.

On the way you see friends who are

smoking and they offer you a cigarette.

Do You continue with your errand or stop

to smoke?

All of the cricketers made a commitment to the team.

You know that type of behaviour is against school rules.

You know that smoking is harmful.

The success of the team

depends on all players.

Your dad told you not to fight

even if others want you to.

You remember it was hard for

your uncle to quit.

A good friend will understand your commitment.

Although upset, you realize the other student has a problem and not you.

Although you want to impress your friends, you know smoking is wrong.

You play cricket and then go to the party.

You go to your teacher and explain what happened.

You say “no thanks” and continue with your errand.

Good morning class. Today we have a very special guest who has come to talk to us about

substance abuse. Let’s welcome Sgt. Williams of the

Royal Barbados Police Force.

Good morning Sgt. Williams!

Good morning everyone and thank you Mrs. Burke for that warm introduction. I have come today to talk to you about three harmful substances

that you should avoid.

I have brought with me a very special piece of chalk called Preston. We will begin by talking about alcohol.

Alcohol affects both your brain and body and because it goes straight into your bloodstream, it can damage every organ and cause diseases.

Excuse me Sgt. Williams, my friend’s father drinks a lot of alcohol and I cannot understand him when he talks.

Well that is because alcohol slurs your speech. It also affects your memory, coordination and judgement. Does anyone know why alcohol is even more harmful to children and teenagers?

Yes Sir, is it because we are young and still

growing?

Yes exactly, your bodies are still developing. Remember, you are all below the legal drinking age, so if your friends or anyone else offers you alcohol please say “no thanks” and walk away.

Tobacco is another damaging substance. I would like one person to tell me if they know someone who smokes.

I hope your father gets better soon.

Tobacco is harmful to your body. It can cause breathing problems and life threatening conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer.

My dad smokes but he is now in hospital and the doctors have told him that the cigarettes are making him ill.

Goodbye Sgt. Williams!

I would like to thank Mrs. Burke and all of you for having me here today and I would like you to remember

that using alcohol, tobacco or marijuana will prevent you from becoming the very best that you can be.

You are all able to do great things now and as you grow older but

only if you respect your brain and body by not using harmful substances.

Come along Preston. Goodbye everyone.

But why would my dad smoke when he knows it can make him sick?

Excuse me Sgt. Williams, but

why do people start smoking when

they know that they may not be able to stop?

Well some young people think their friends will be impressed but they are really mistaken because most people don’t want to be around somebody who is smoking. In fact cigarette smoke contains many poisons.

Sgt. Williams, could I become ill if I am around cigarette smoke

a lot?

The reason people like your father find it difficult to stop smoking is because tobacco contains an addictive substance called nicotine. Once your body becomes dependent on nicotine, it is then very difficult to stop using it.

Yes, you can become ill from breathing other people’s smoke. Smokers not only risk their own health but also that of their friends and family.

I would like now to talk to you about an illegal drug called marijuana. People who use marijuana have a higher risk of getting cancer as its smoke contains more cancer causing chemicals than tobacco. Marijuana can be addictive and can lead to a loss of both concentration and short term memory.

Why do you think you should never get into a car with a driver who is intoxicated or has been smoking marijuana?

Sir, is it because the driver may crash their

car?

Yes, that’s right. The driver’s coordination, reflexes, reaction time and ability to judge speed and distances would be affected and you could be putting yourself in danger.

You’re bright as a buttonAnd sharp as a pinYou know what you’re afterAnd how to begin.

When faced with a problemDon’t shudder and sighHold your head upAnd let your mind fly.

Take charge of the issueAnd turn it aroundGive it perspectiveFlip it up-side-down.

Draw your dilemmaOr write it all outWhen you think of its oppositeDo you sing or shout?

You have your own valuesYou know where you standDoes this issue conflictWith what your conscience demands?

You have a right to refuseAnd politely declineTurn away and say “no”It’s your choice every time.

But whatever you’re feelingAnd as hard as it seemsThis problem will end And it will all feel like a dream.

You will be respected By your friends and your peersFor the strength that you’d shown In controlling your fear.

You are in command Of whatever you do The decisions you make And the options you choose.

This is such a good thing ‘Cause there’s nobody like youYou’re one in seven billion And that’s ever so cool!

Think About It

For more information go to www.itsafactCaribbean.com or email info@itsafactCaribbean.com

It’s a Fact! is a series of informative and empowering magazine format animations made to inspire creativity and critical thinking. The series gives children from the Caribbean region and Diaspora a positive reflection of themselves.

Written by Liesje Cole-PragnellIllustrated by Marcel Pragnell & Jason ColeDesigned & Produced by Vividview

Copyright © 2012, Vividview. This publication is for noncommercial use only & cannot be altered in any way.

Acting responsibly and making the right choices

makes you feel good about yourself.

Be yourself and you’ll find you have so many good qualities

that you can be proud of.

Drug abuse education begins with self empowerment... ...I agree Nicolas, but it’s difficult

to overcome peer pressure and say no to drugs.

I like working with these smart kids!

Don’t forget to look for It ’s A Fact! Caribbean on

YouTube!

People in your home, school or community can give you guidance.

Lots of people care about keeping kids safe. Our friends at the U.S. Embassy are helping too!

Yes, they made it possible for us to share this message with you.

By living responsibly, you have the ability to make the right decision if

you are ever exposed to drugs.