TEENS STILL LOOK TO THEIR PARENTS

When it comes to influencing the lives of teen-agers, don't expect
teachers, government leaders or coaches to make the difference. The buck
stops with parents.

A new survey by the Columbia University-based National Center on Drug
Addiction and Substance Abuse shows just how much parental involvement
means in the lives of teen-agers.

The survey found that the children of parents who didn't play a "hands-on"
role were four times more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and get hooked
on cigarettes.

By "hands-on" we're not talking about parents meting out physical
punishment, we're talking about being involved in daily contact and comm
itment to raising a child.

Indeed, strong parenting, with firm rules and active involvement, seemed to
neutralize harmful outside influences, such as peer pressure, offensive
music and easily available drugs.

So instead of worrying so much about rap music lyrics, perhaps our society
should focus on educating and supporting parents, for it is they who play
the decisive role.