ADULTS are being urged to take a more hard-hitting approach to warning teenagers about drugs.

It follows a shocking report which reveals that nine out of ten youngsters are ignorant about the effects of drugs such as Ecstasy.

Many are unaware that 'E' could prove fatal and almost half those questioned in a survey did not realise the drug could kill at any time, not just the first time used.

Dr John Coleman, of the Trust for the Study of Adolescents, said: "Teenagers want to hear it straight.

"They don't want adults to patronise them. We must give them as much information as possible.

"In this way they are more likely to understand the dangers and make their own decisions about the risks."

After the death of Ecstasy victim Leah Betts last year, an educational video was made by BT to highlight the dangers.

The tape was sent to 7,000 secondary schools along with 50,000 questionnaires for teachers and pupils.

Leah's father, Paul, said: "The response to the survey has been overwhelming and speaks volumes about young people's desire to open up about these issues.

"If, after seeing the video, one in five teenagers are convinced never to take Ecstasy, I will know Leah didn't die in vain."

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