PARENTS D.A.R.E. TO LEARN ABOUT DRUGS

A handful of parents showed up at Highwood High on Tuesday night to
learn about the drugs their children might be exposed to every day.

"This is just the first of five or six session this year," said RCMP
Const. Krista Woods, D.A.R.E co-ordinator.

Tuesday's session was about illegal drug use: what parents could
look for in their children and how to minimize the risk of them
getting involved in drugs.

"The sessions are just for adults -- it's geared for parents,
caregivers, and legal guardians," Const. Woods said.

Parents are key in helping teach their children the effects of drugs
on the brain.

"It takes a lot of awareness and education," Const. Woods said.

The lessons Tuesday evening included identifying environmental
conditions that promote drug use, and descriptions of common drugs
available on and off the streets.

Woods described the signs and symptoms of drug use, including
changes in kids' grades, their circle of friends, sleeping patterns and moods.

Parents listened through information and surveys, and of Woods'
tales of encounters with young people under the influence of drugs.

The biggest thing parents can do, Woods said, is listen and trust
their intuition.

Open communication between parents and teenagers is critical.

"Let your kids understand that they can come to you about anything,"
Woods said.

Keeping them involved in after school activities, like clubs and
sports, makes them less likely to use drugs, as does getting to know
their friends and their friends' parents, to make sure they share
similar views on drugs and alcohol.

Woods is giving another D.A.R.E. Parent Program session next Tuesday
on bullying, including cyber-bullying, at Highwood high school at 7
p.m. On Nov. 27, Woods is giving her third D.A.R.E session on Internet safety.

"I realize parents are really busy and for them to commit to three
sessions is tough," Woods said. "There's the option of them
attending one, two, or all three."