HORRID EXAMPLES NOT WORKING

Teenagers are very open and, in some cases, very gullible. Their emotions
are flowing in every direction and they face crisis after crisis in their
lives. So, when they get exposed to smoking and alcohol, they see apparent
relief.

Lately, the technique for teaching teens to be drug-free is to smother them
with horrid examples and the aftermath of drug abuse. Being a teen myself,
I don't think this is working.

The government should calm down on smothering teens with advice and
directions on how to run their life, put more money into getting rid of
smoking and alcohol advertising, put more pressure on the tobacco and
alcohol industry to put even more strict warnings on the label and put more
money into helping families.

Parents hold the most power in showing teens the best path and direction to
lead their life. The love of a parent is everlasting and no child would
ever dream of giving that up.

Jared Baldwin

(Never underestimate the power of love.)