ANN LANDERS

Dear Ann Landers: The recent letters you printed concerning parents whose
underage children are drinking raises a critical point that cannot be
overstated: Parental involvement is crucial to raising drug-free and
alcohol-free kids.

The most recent national survey for the National Center on Addiction and
Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that teens who drink, smoke or
use pot are less likely to tell their parents where they are on weekends,
less likely to have a parent at home after school and less likely to rely
on parents' opinions when they make important decisions. They are also less
likely to attend religious services regularly.

Nearly half of 13-year-olds say their parents have never discussed the
dangers of illegal drugs with them. The survey also found that teens who
have tried marijuana say their friends had the most influence over their
decision. Teens who have chosen not to smoke pot say their parents
influenced them most. The bottom line? Parents have more clout than they
think. They should use it.

Joseph A. Califano Jr., National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

Dear Joseph Califano: Parents need to know where their kids are at all
times, who they are with and what they are doing. And it doesn't hurt to
set a good example. Parents who smoke, drink excessively and use bad
language should not be surprised when their children do the same. As the
twig is bent, so grows the tree.