Child 'given drugs as birthday present' - report

The report found children were altering vapes to smoke drugs like cocaine (stock image)

Children have been offered illegal drugs as birthday presents and debt repayments, a report has claimed.

The research by art outreach charity Helix Arts quoted examples of young people in North Tyneside being gifted drugs by neighbours or family members rather than buying them from dealers.

The report also suggested they were altering vapes to smoke drugs including cocaine, ketamine and MDMA.

"Many young people see vapes as a lifeline with disposable being some of the most popular," it said.

Helix Arts was awarded funding by North Tyneside Council for the programme to understand young people’s views on drugs.

It led to a series of workshops designed to encourage them to share their experiences and gain real insights.

The charity's youth outreach programme suggested the continued use of drugs among young people was connected to poor mental health.

The isolation experienced during Covid-19 lockdowns was frequently highlighted as a reason why many felt so anxious, it said.

The report added: "They are also vaping to suppress their appetite, it is cheaper to vape than it is to eat."

'School prom fears'

The report to North Tyneside Council said the "lack of socialisation" during lockdown affected many young people who "now feel uncomfortable in larger groups".

"Work with some of them has indicated that they prefer their own company and events such as their school prom made them extremely anxious, often leading to excess alcohol consumption," it added.

Helix Arts conducted 284 individual workshops throughout the last year according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service

Ten organisations were involved included Barnardos in Whitley Bay, Silverdale School and Churchill Community College.

Findings and resources from the project, which was praised by many of the young people who took part, will be shared with schools and will be followed up with North Tyneside’s young mayor, among other steps.

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