Massey High School gave a pamphlet to students, advising them to use meth discreetly and how to avoid a police conviction (file photo).

An Auckland high school is backing its decision to hand out an information booklet on Class A drugs.

Morgan Julian said her daughter was given a drugfree.org booklet during a Massey High School year 13 health class on May 1, outlining the best use of methamphetamine.

"If a student was curious about using methamphetamine, the pamphlet told them how to use it," Julian said.

The booklet provided advice such as how to take care of a meth-smoking pipe and to never be caught with more than 5 grams of meth – the threshold to be classified a dealer.

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SUPPLIED Morgan Julian, from Whenuapai, was shocked that her daughter received a pamphlet of how to use meth at school.

"Meth is illegal. It's also illegal to own a pipe. Be discrete [sic] and only keep less than 5 grams for personal use," the pamphlet said.

The pamphlet also advised students on ways to hide meth use at school and advised them that swallowing meth was safer than injecting. The pamphlet also said to use a Pyrex pipe instead of glass pipes for smoking.

"Swallowing meth allows your body to use its own filters. It saves your lungs from damage, produces a smoother and longer lasting high, and you're less likely to use more."

SUPPLIED The meth booklet being distributed by Massey High School to students. The school said it was part of a health course.

Health advice around keeping people safe was also included in the pamphlet, including advice against mixing drugs.

Massey High School principal Glen Denham said the book wasn't telling students what they should do with meth and it was taken out of context.

"Just because they've read something doesn't mean at all that they are going to do it, they are far cleverer than that," Denham told 1 News.

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"The book is about how it destroys relationships and how it destroys job opportunities, how it destroys youth."

The Drug Foundation supported the school's use of the pamphlet, and said people were "living under a rock" if they didn't think there was a meth problem in New Zealand.

However, Julian said the pamphlet was "disgusting".

SUPPLIED The guide advises users of meth to be discreet and only keep 5 grams for personal use.

The Whenuapai resident posted pages from it on social media, sparking similar outrage from others.

Julian said she contacted the school demanding to know why students were being given the pamphlet and was told that it was an education resource.

"[The school is] trying to say the information was for people already doing meth and how to try and remedy the effects," she said.

LAWRENCE SMITH/STUFF According to police, possession of 5g of methamphetamine was enough to warrant a conviction for possession for supply.

However, Julian disagreed with that.

"It reads through, very clearly, on ways to do meth and how to hide meth.

"I am all for drug education and keeping our children aware but to blatantly publish a step-by-step guide on how to clean your pipes, swallow instead of injecting and to do it legally, in a way is disturbing."

Julian said the information was worrying given that methamphetamine was the most readily available drug in the country.

"It just encourages its usage and how to use it too."

The pamphlet was still part of Massey High School's health class, a school representative said.

A statement from Massey High School said the material in question was taken out of context from a larger book.

The material could be found online and as part of an NZ Drug Foundation programme which was fully funded by the Ministry of Health, the statement said.

"It is not explicitly taught to the students."

The school said the health course focused on the analysis of methamphetamine use by 15- to 24-year-olds and its negative impacts.

"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 school did not condone illegal drug use, drugs at school, or teach students how to use drug instruments, the statement said.

The Drug Foundation applauded Massey High School for using the material.

Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell said the pamphlet was normally distributed in prisons, specifically for current meth users.

"I applaud Massey High School for using it in the context that they used it in.

"People would be living under a rock if they didn't think there wasn't a meth problem in New Zealand."

Ministry of Education deputy secretary of sector entablement Katrina Casey said the ministry was aware of the concerns raised.

"Massey High School has reassured us the pamphlet is part of a wide range of material used by year 13 students as part of their level 3 health course," Casey said.

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said the ministry funded the booklet but did not play a role in placing it in the school.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADVICE

Call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, visit its website, or free txt adh to 234.

The Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812

Lifeline 0800 543 354

Depression Helpline 0800 111 757

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865

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