PARENTS MUST TALK TO THEIR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS

I was born and raised in Hope and graduated in June from Hope
Secondary School.

After reading about the drug problem at my former school and the
actions parents plan to take against drug dealers, I have to wonder,
why now?

Why did you, the parents of "doped-out students," decide to take
action only after the problem occurred? Where were you when your
children needed support and guidance?

I always found most parents took a back seat when it came to
controversial issues such as drug use. Did you think the schools would
take care of it on their own?

While in high school, my friends and I went to parties where there was
alcohol and drug use.

When I was offered marijuana or any other drug, I only had to say a
friendly "no thanks," and I wouldn't be asked again.

No one wants drug dealers roaming around their neighbourhood or local
schools, but they are only half of the equation.

Students wouldn't be as tempted to use drugs if their parents stepped
up, took responsibility, and, gasp, maybe even tried talking to their
kids about the risks.

I plead with the parents of Hope Secondary to be proactive, not
reactive. Posting the names of known drug dealers won't solve this
problem.

Teach your kids how to say no, and explain why that is their best
option.

The only way to fight drug addiction in high school is through
knowledge, so stop being ignorant and blaming everyone but yourselves.

Sherina Goglin,

Hope