PARENTS URGED TO TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS

Presentation in Morell Emphasizes Being Actively Involved In
Children's Lives

MORELL - Be aware, be alert and be involved was the message to
parents at Morell regional high school at a recent meeting called to
offer information about the growing array of street drugs available
to children on P.E.I.

Charlottetown police officer Gary Clow and Margie MacLean of Murphy's
Pharmacies spoke to 22 local parents about everything from alcohol
and tobacco additions, to ecstasy, crack cocaine and crystal meth.

The presentation was an awareness raising event that encouraged
parents to be involved with their children and be familiar of what is
out there in the drug world.

"With growing public concern about new highly addictive drugs such as
crystal meth and oxycontin, as well as ongoing problems with binge
drinking, this project is seeking to ensure that parents are aware of
the many good ideas, programs and materials that are available to
them," said Shirley S. Jay, executive director of the P.E.I. Home and
School Federation.

Clow and MacLean showed several graphic videos depicting the extremes
of crack cocaine and crystal meth addiction, and itemized symptoms of
use for which parents can watch.

They emphasized the importance of being actively involved in
children's lives. They said the best protection against destructive
drug use is good communication between children and parents; parents
who get involved with children's lives; and setting clear rules that
are consistently enforced.

"Talk to your children about drugs," Clow said. "Over 50 per cent of
the kids we speak to in the schools say their parents never talked to
them. Also check on where your kids are."

John Farrell, a parent in the Morell area, said it was a good
presentation, particularly for parents who are not at all familiar
with the drug scene. He was also glad to see that there were parents
of elementary school children there.

He reaffirmed the need for communication between parents and children.

"Over the last few years parents have given the schools the
responsibility for drug and sex education, and they don't talk about
it in the home anymore."

Commenting on the videos, Farrell who is also a guidance counsellor,
reminded people that what they saw are extremes which relate, for the
most part, to addictive personalities.

"Yes, there are drugs out there, but the vast majority of young
people do not get involved," he said.