BOTH SCHOOL BOARDS AGAINST RAVES

Many parents or guardians may have limited knowledge about what goes on at
a rave or an all-night dance party.

To help parents understand more about these events, the Halton Regional
Police Service, the Halton Region Health Department, the Halton Catholic
District School Board and the Halton District School Board are working
together.

The four community partners say they don't support youth attending raves or
all-night dance parties because they're unsafe environments.

They say they're unsafe because drugs are easy to access, fire safety
issues are common, the risk of assault is higher, lighting is poor and
criminal activity may be attracted to raves. Other potential health risks
include excessive heat, risk of dehydration and/or seizures.

Parents may feel reassured to find that raves are usually alcohol-free and
have a police presence outside the building. But that doesn't always
accurately reflect what's going on inside, the community partners say.

According to the Halton Student Drug Use Survey in 1999, 15 per cent or an
estimated 4,500 Halton students had attended a rave in the pervious 12 months.

If your child is planning on attending a rave, talk to them about the
safety issues above and ask them the following questions:

* Where's the event?

* Who are they going with?

* How will they handle peer pressure?

* How will they get home?

* What time will they come home?

In addition, if your child is going to attend a rave encourage them to:

* Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration (500 ml. per hour for
vigorous physical activity)

* Take frequent breaks from dancing to cool off

* Stay with trusted friends at the event and on the way home

* Not to use illicit drugs or alcohol

Coming this fall, rave information sessions are planned for youth and
parents. For information, call the health department at (905) 825-6060,
ext. 7490.