Massey High School does not condone illegal drug use, drugs on the school campus, nor does it teach its pupils how to use drug instruments.

A Facebook community post by a concerned parent about material that their teenager had access to as part of their school studies has attracted attention.

The material in question has been taken out of context of a larger book. The material can also be found online and is part of “Drug Help”, specifically here, a NZ Drug Foundation programme that is fully funded by the Ministry of Health.

The school has discussed this information with the parent, who has subsequently removed her post. However, it has been shared by others not privy to our discussion.

A small number of Massey High School’s Year 13 students (generally 17 and 18 year olds) are undertaking a Level 3 Health Course.

The course calls for them to ‘Analyse a New Zealand Health Issue’ – in this case methamphetamine use by 15-24-year-olds. It focuses on the negative impacts on the individual, relationships and society and looks at recommendations for change.

The course has been run by the PE and Health Department at the school for the past few years, given the topical nature of the health issue.

The material published on social media is one of many resources available to the students for their investigation and analysis. It is not explicitly taught to the students. However, when taken in context of the rest of the booklet (which is aimed at current users who are looking at ways to stop) the dangers of using methamphetamine are apparent.

It is one resource which aims to provide context for students around an issue which negatively impacts far too many young people in New Zealand.

The NZ Drug Foundation says its Drug Help programme has seen enormous demand for resources since it was launched in 2010.