Pubdate: Sun, 25 Mar 2001 Source: Canberra Times (Australia) Copyright: 2001 Canberra Times Contact: 9 Pirie Street , Fyshwick, Canberra, ACT 2609 Fax: 02 6280 2282 Website: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/ Author: Stacey Lucas ANTI-DRUG ADS DEPICT HARSH REALITY A BOY in a body bag and a teenage purse-snatcher are the latest graphic images in the Federal Government's war against drugs. Domestic violence and family breakdown are also featured in the series of confronting television advertisements, airing for the first time on prime-time television tonight. Prime Minister John Howard will launch the first series of commercials in Sydney this morning, as part of his Government's $20 million campaign against drugs. According to a spokesman for Mr Howard, the real-life consequences of drug-taking including crime, family breakdown, violence and death were the focus of the first advertisements. Depicting the harsh reality was not "shock tactics" but would provoke thought among the commercial's target teenage audience, the spokesman said. Young actors narrating their hopes for the future would contrast with the on-screen action, as teenagers stole handbags, struck out at their parents, and were zipped up in body bags. "The overall aim is to prevent children and teenagers from experimenting with drugs in the first place," the spokesman said. The commercials were "not unlike" previous anti-drinking campaigns that asked teenagers how they would feel after a night of binge drinking, violence and unsafe sex. Tonight's "saturation" advertising to be seen on all commercial channels during their Sunday night movies would begin a six-week campaign. Print and billboard advertising and radio messages would complement the television images and a mail-out to parents, the spokesman said. The media campaign also included a booklet sent to households which encouraged family discussion about the issue and included a personal message from Mr Howard, advice on the warning signs of drug use, and how to broach the subject with children. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk