DO WE DARE?

A NEW STUDY shows that Drug Abuse Resistance Education, probably the
nation's most popular drug education program, isn't keeping kids off drugs.
These findings are bolstered by previous studies that drew similar
conclusions.

DARE curriculum, taught by uniformed police officers, is a mainstay of
public schools systems, including many in Oklahoma. It has had some
positive effects over the years. But the latest research suggests that
society can't depend on a catchy-sounding, 17-week program to do all the
work required to keep kids off drugs.

The University of Illinois study tracked hundreds of schoolchildren who
took the DARE course in the fifth grade. The study found that the program
generally had no effect on later drugs use, except in certain instances:
Surprisingly, suburban students who took the DARE course were more likely
to use drugs than their counterparts who didn't.

DARE defenders note that the study reflected an old curriculum that has
since been improved. And they also point out that most school districts do
not include the follow-up programs that are supposed to be offered in
junior high and senior high schools. Without that follow-up, supporters
say, the effects of the earlier training can fade.

Both sides are probably right. School-based drug-education programs
probably can be helpful, if they are presented effectively and at
appropriate intervals. Curriculum probably should be updated as new
research dictates.

But lessons taught in school every few years can't do the job alone. The
author of the latest study pointed out that parents and other people
important to children play big roles in steering them along productive
paths.

Oklahoma soon will be looking at new drug-abuse prevention and treatment
strategies developed by a task force. DARE will be one of the strategies on
the table. But policymakers, lawmakers, cops, teachers and parents must not
be lulled into believing that a one-shot just-say-no program will keep
children away from drugs. It's just not that simple.