Children as young as three are taking part in substance abuse prevention programmes.

Joanne Dean, from the Department of National Drug Control (DNDC), said the programmes started in preschool and were aimed at steering youngsters away from making the wrong choices from the earliest possible age.

She was speaking alongside National Security Minister Michael Dunkley at the launch of National Prevention Week — a US initiative aimed at encouraging communities to promote substance abuse prevention efforts.

Ms Dean said substance abuse was a problem in schools here, though she said it was very difficult generally to know the exact numbers of people suffering from substance abuse issues.

“This initiative is more focused on the prevention of those issues and focused on young people,” she said. “We have programmes starting as young as age three in our preschools.”

Judith Burgess, executive director of PRIDE, a charity which helps young people stay drug-free, said a 2011 survey showed that the number of students taking part in drug and alcohol activity declined between 2007 and 2011.

Mr Dunkley told reporters: “The observance emphasises that prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives — including where and how we live, learn, work, and play — and that everyone has a role in creating a healthier community.”

The Deputy Premier said this week’s activities would include Department staff visiting middle and secondary school students to discuss drug prevention, an educational mini fair, a “flash mob” and a “selfie” contest on social media.

“These activities will help to raise awareness and give the community the opportunity to educate themselves about substance abuse prevention, highlight any concerns they may have and discover the available programming in Bermuda to prevent alcohol and drug misuse,” said the Minister.

“Throughout National Prevention Week 2014, the prevention partners, led by the DNDC, will promote their respective programmes to schools and the community at large to highlight successful programmes that have demonstrated changes in knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of drug use and antisocial behaviours.

“We will also recognise and bring light to the work of our community partners who care deeply about creating a better community. The Prevention Partners include: CADA, PRIDE, HM Customs, Bermuda Police Service CAT Team, Bermuda Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the Mirrors Programme.

“Prevention Week 2014 is also an opportunity to focus on areas that need improvement, such as curriculum-based alcohol and drug prevention education in the school setting and alcohol and drug prevention education trainings for our school teachers.”

The health fair and “flash mob” will take place between 11am and 2pm on Friday in Washington Mall.