PROBLEMS facing teenagers in the modern world were discussed by students and parents at a special evening at a Sandwell school.

Current issues facing young people, including alcohol, drugs, social media and knife crime were highlighted during the event at St Michael's CofE High School in Rowley Regis.

Run in partnership with Sandwell’s Community Alcohol and Cannabis Project’s 21st Century Child programme, the event also featured a talk by Alison Cope, whose son Joshua Ribera was murdered by a single stab wound in Selly Oak three years ago, who spoke to parents about the risks and dangers associated with knife crime.

The following day, year nine pupils were delivered the 21st Century Child programme, which included a number of interactive activities, including the cannabis trailer, go-kart and beer goggles, Black Country Women's Aid and trading standards.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is good to know that schools are offering students the opportunity to think about making safe choices and to discuss their concerns with agencies.

“I am pleased that the programme is to be introduced across other schools in Sandwell as part of an on-going safeguarding theme."

Future events will be held in a number of schools, using parents and students’ input to help guide the theme for each event.