Temptation is never far away from today's teenagers.

Be it drugs, tobacco or alcohol, there appears to be a ready supply for them to get their hands on.

And, being teenagers, the urge to experiment is often a hard one to resist.

Teachers, parents and police in Oxfordshire all have a role to play in minimising the risks for the generation of tomorrow.

This must be done through education and, where necessary, punishment. One is no use without the other.

So instead of finding the latest exclusion figures for schoolchildren caught dabbling in drugs, cigarettes or booze, shocking, we should commend our schools for taking a firm line.

Children must be educated about the risks involved in such activity, but if they insist on doing it anyway, they must also be aware there are consequences to be faced.

That message must be drummed into them at home as well as in school. How many children take their lead from parents who smoke or drink to excess?

Ultimately, we must change the culture of a society in which getting smashed or stoned is seen as a legitimate way to let off steam and where smoking is somehow seen as 'cool'.