Schoolchildren will be warned about the dangers of “legal highs” after the substances soared in popularity.

The drive to warn youngsters and their parents about substances such as mephedrone, or meow, has been backed by Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council and NHS Brighton and Hove.

The measures will include officers speaking to pupils about legal highs during personal health, social and health education (PHSE) lessons in schools.

Parents will also be given regular briefings on legal highs, which will be backed up by an information campaign targeting hostels and other services for over 16s such as colleges and Connexions workers.

The Argus reported claims last month that children as young as 12 and 13 are using mephedrone, with some even snorting it while they were on school buses.

The substance, which is sold as plant food, is now being reviewed by the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

If experts recommend it should be banned it could be made illegal by the end of next year.

Anyone who is worried about meow, other drugs or alcohol can contact Ru-ok?, the substance misuse service for young people, on 01273 293966.

For more information visit www.areyouok.org.uk.