PARENTS ARE BEST DEFENCE AGAINST CHILD'S DRUG USE

Kids say their parents are the single most important influence when it
comes to drug use.

Despite what many parents think, youth look to parents first as role
models and for support.

Families displaying this connectedness have teens who have later
sexual encounters, are less likely to become pregnant and less likely
to use tobacco, marijuana and alcohol.

Even if a youth's peer group engages in high risk behaviours, which
places them at significantly greater risk, the parental influence is
able to act as a buffer.

"We've found communicating with your children is the No. 1 thing
parents can do to prevent drug abuse," said Mona Grewal, health
promotion specialist with the City of Hamilton. "Parents think it's
their children's friends who have the most influence, but parents are
first."

On Nov. 22, Orchard Park Secondary School will hold The Parent's
Workshop on Youth Substance Abuse Prevention from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.,
highlighting drug use trends among teens, signs of drug use and
communication techniques to use with your child, presented by
Hamilton's Drug and Alcohol Awareness Committee.

"It will give parents techniques on how to bring up these topics and
how to answer difficult questions when they come up," said Ms. Grewal,
noting in most cases it is a good idea to discuss these issues at an
earlier age.

This free workshop is open to all parents and will highlight speakers
addressing various issues.