PROGRAM EDUCATES PARENTS ON DRUGS

A pilot program started recently in Stephenville teaches parents and
guardians about preventing their school age children from using drugs.

Stephenville Middle School was chosen for the program, one of just
seven across Canada taking place this year, and the local Communities
In Schools organization was quick to jump at the chance to get involved.

Aimed at parents rather than the children themselves, the program
offers education on the different kinds of drugs available today and
teaches the signs to recognize if your child may be using them.

But more importantly, it teaches parents about being a role model for
their children, how to communicate with their children and help their
children learn how to make responsible decisions.

The program certainly seems to have caught on already as a large
number of parents of the targeted eight to 15 years-of-age range group
have been attending the meetings. However, there is room for more and
if a parent or guardian is interested, he or she can drop by the
Tuesday evening meetings at the school.

Prevention rather than intervention is the method used in the program
with a goal of the prolonging the onset of the use of drugs. Of
course, not using drugs at all would be the ultimate goal; however, if
they are going to try them, they can make more informed decisions if
it's delayed until they're a little older.

If the project is a success, it could be seen in schools right across
Canada in future years.