SHOULD children as young as ten be taught the dangers of so-called legal highs?

That is certainly the opinion of some experts who believe that it is right to catch young minds when they are most impressionable to get the message across that even legal drugs can be lethal.

As this paper reports today, health experts are urging Prime Minister David Cameron to urge schools to teach the dangers of the drugs as part of their health education.

The Daily Echo launched its campaign to beat legal highs in the city following the deaths of three young people. We turned the spotlight on traders who continued to sell the drugs even after the dangers were known.

We realise that defeating this threat will not be easy. The composition of such drugs changes easily and those wishing to peddle such dangers can adapt to defeat new laws.

The answer then lies in targeting young minds so they understand the dangers and can decide for themselves not to take the risk.

We urge all Hampshire schools to make these lessons a priority.