TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS

Whether through television and print ads, parental talks or word-of-mouth,
youth today are becoming aware of the evils of smoking.

Indeed, they're often the first in the room to pipe up with harsh words for
those who light up.

This fall, schools in Surrey and Vancouver are planning to do what the
Burnaby School District did last year -- kick off a pilot program that
warns elementary school children of the hazards of tobacco, alcohol and
marijuana.

While some may squirm at the idea of introducing the subject of liquor and
illicit drugs to kids as young as nine and 10, the reality is if schools
don't, school mates will. Some of our children may have already been
introduced to alcohol or pot by a pal.

Studies show that by the time a grade schooler reaches high school, there's
a one in three chance s/he will have used marijuana, three in four that
s/he drinks and one in four that s/he has indulged in binge drinking.

All the more reason, we submit, to start talking to our youngest children
about the evils of using. The sooner they know, the sooner they can make
informed decisions about whether or not to accept a school mate's invitation.

Parents and educators have been touting the benefits of teaching grade
school pupils the importance of healthy eating, nutrition and exercise.
Expanding the lesson to include mind-altering substances will better
prepare them for the heady world of puberty and pre-teen peer pressure.

Ideally, they will be equipped to turn their back on the drinkers, smokers,
the users and dealers -- not just during their formative years but for the
rest of their lives.

However, to ensure the success of the pilot program, school districts need
parents to be willing to mirror the classroom message.

Parents and relatives of school-aged children have a vested interest in
getting involved during various stages of the educational program, whether
it's discussing the cause and effects with a child, or working with
teachers and the RCMP to drive home the message.

"We find that in order to have an impact on the children, we have to start
them young," Surrey school board member Alice Tiles.

The importers, dealers and users couldn't agree more.

What do you think? Leave a brief comment, name and town at: 604-605-2029,
fax: 604-605-2099 or e-mail: provletters@png.canwest.com