Dispatches: Kids on the Rocks

This documentary highlights the alarming increase of drug use among pre-teen and young teenage children, revealing that it is not limited to specific areas or demographics. It focuses on the experiences of Damien, 13, and Ranjit, 14, both struggling with addiction, showcasing the harsh realities they face in a society with diminishing support services.

Featuring interviews with various children aged 9 to 14 who are either users or dealers, the film presents a candid look at the youth involved in drug culture. Insights from community members, including Colin Cripps from the Newham Youth Awareness project and Chief Supt. David Gilbertson from the Notting Hill Police, add depth to the discussion surrounding this pressing issue. The documentary also features Rita Funnell, a parent of a drug-taker, providing a personal perspective on the impact of addiction within families.

With its focus on a critical social issue, Dispatches: Kids on the Rocks serves as an important record of the challenges facing young people in the early 1990s, making it a significant piece for collectors interested in documentary films that tackle societal issues directly.