There can only be deep concern over reports that children aged as young as 11 have been offered drugs by older boys outside one of Co Down's largest bus stations.
Police have already stepped up patrols in the centre of Bangor and four secondary schools in the town have taken the unusual step of sending a joint letter to parents about the disturbing development.
Now that the issue is in the public domain, there is every prospect that offenders will be brought to justice and the risk to pupils significantly reduced.
The principals of Bangor Academy, Bangor Grammar, Glenlola Collegiate and St Columbanus' College deserve considerable credit for their proactive stance in issuing the warning.
