An alcohol and drug prevention programme has been launched at Whitney Institute Middle School and will be extended to other schools, MPs heard today.

Attorney General Michael Scott told the House of Assembly that the after-school initiative was a joint effort between the Department for National Drug Control and the Department of Education.

He said children were most likely to engage in anti-social behaviour, such as gang activity, stealing, trespassing and taking alcohol and drugs, during the after-school hours between 3pm and 8pm.

"It is in this regard that we intend to address this problem and promote the interests of our youth and community," said the Justice Minister.

"Research indicates that the utilisation of after-school programmes is an effective approach to preventing alcohol and drug use, reducing delinquency and promoting alternatives to delinquent behaviours.

"Programming affords young people with opportunities to practise and develop resilience, develop problem-solving skills and to build peer relations while learning and also incorporating positive social and emotional skills."

The programme was introduced at Whitney on November 16 and has 15 students registered, all supported by their parents. Mr Scott said: "Dellwood Middle School and others will come on board in the upcoming months."

Read more on this story in tomorrow's edition of The Royal Gazette.