THE BUCK STOPS WITH PARENTS

When it comes to influencing the livers 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
commitment 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.