STOPPING TEEN DRUG USE

I don't think the students aren't buying Red Ribbon Week in local
schools;It's more that they aren't willing to change their minds ["Anti-Drug
Week: Kids buying it?," Metro, Oct. 25].

The school's intentions are honorable, but there is no possible way to
follow through after Red Ribbon Week.

One week cannot influence very many people. They are targeting adolescents
who are trying to find their place in society.

More than one week is needed to permanently change the mind of curious
teenagers.

I am a sophomore at Dana Hills and feel I have first-hand knowledge. I have
seen many friends turn to drugs in recent years. After anti-drug
presentations, they are not affected and laugh at the efforts made for their
benefit. Everybody has the "that stuff can never happen to me" attitude that
prevents them from being influenced by Red Ribbon Week. All the groups that
the schools are trying to reach are the ones who are close-minded about it
and not willing to listen. Their mind simply will not be changed by a week
of red ribbons.

When time comes to make a decision, many teen-agers will forget about their
red ribbon and give in to peer pressure. It is simply a natural part of the
high school and teen-age years.

Checked-by: Don Beck