EDUCATING OUR YOUTH ABOUT DRUGS

" You're not one that's on my radar: says RCMP Cpl. Noel

While legal and illegal drugs are easily obtained by youth in today's
society, it's important for parents to minimize the interest by
educating their children of the dangers about drugs says RCMP Cpl. Ann Noel.

Cpl. Ann Noel takes questions from the gathering of roughly 20 people
about certain types of legal and illegal drugs during a public
awareness session, held at Manuel Hall.

"Many parents do worry about their children, but worrying doesn't do
anything," said Cpl. Noel of the Drug and Organized Crime Awareness
Services, during a public awareness session last Monday night at
Manuel Hall. "We have to take action," she said.

During the session, Cpl. Noel discussed the negative impacts of
various drugs, while reinforcing that parents and community leaders
need to take a proactive approach in combating drugs in their homes
and communities.

" You're no different than any other community in Newfoundland and
Labrador. It's just if we have to take ownership and be aware of
what's out there, so we're better armed to fight the drugs out
there," said Cpl. Noel.

Implementing stringent rules for teens and not comprising on any drug
use, whether it's legal or illegal, are guidelines parents need to consider.

"If we don't say no that you can't smoke because that's going to harm
you, then what are we saying when we get to alcohol and drugs?" asked
Cpl. Noel. " They're not going to believe us. Once you allow them,
you're saying it's okay."

Not only should parents set rules and enforce guidelines, but also
removing double standards is just as important, added Cpl. Noel.

"Lead by example, make healthy lifestyle choices. It's not good for
you on a Friday night to sit at the coffee table with a beer in one
hand and a cigarette in the other hand," she said to the gathering of
roughly 20 people.

According to a Newfoundland and Labrador, Student Drug Use Survey
conducted in 2007, figures suggest that teens are using drugs.
Fifty-two per cent reported using alcohol at least once in the year,
while in 2003, 58 per cent. 29.5 per cent reported they used cannabis
at least once in the year, in 2003, 35 per cent.

The biggest increase was the use of ecstasy. In 2007, 7.2 per cent
reported they used ecstasy at least once in the year, in 2003, 2 per cent.

A total of 3848 students responded with an 82 per cent response rate.

"We have to talk about this, it's there. It's in the kids' faces.
They need to hear it from you guys, not their friends," said Cpl. Noel.

While parents need to be cognizant of illegal drugs, Cpl. Noel said
there's a new trend out there that's equally as dangerous, teenagers
using prescription and non-prescription medicine.

She said that teenagers are taking medication from their home, or
even from other people's homes and consuming the drugs with alcohol.

"Some of the youth in our communities are actually taking from
medicine bottles, one or two pills and once they get to a party that
night, it all goes into a bowel and then they'll pass it around," she
said. That type of gathering is called a "pharm-party."

"The problems that come with that is when they come to the emergency
room, you don't know what they've taken," she said.

Some red flags parents should be aware of that may indicate their
teen is using drugs are: declining school performance; changing
eating or sleeping habits; changes in behaviour; increased secrecy
about possessions and activity.

"When you think about it, it may be anyone of our adolescence. So,
you've got to remember that the main thing is staying in tune with
your youth," said Cpl. Noel.

According to Cpl. Noel, Springdale is not a community with the
spotlight on it regarding drugs.

"You're not one that's on my radar, not to say it's not out there and
not being abused."

Mayor of Springdale Harvey Tizzard attended the public awareness
session and said council would get involved if drugs become an issues
in the community.

"We'll take it to the next level, meet on it and call the necessary
people and have forums like we just had," said Mr. Tizzard. "We as
leaders have to take hold and watch for this type of thing and do
what needs to be done, and our council is proactive in that area."

Resident of Springdale and attendee of the session, Donna Pynn said
the presentation was informative, but "too bad we didn't have more
young people and parents."

"I think that creating the awareness and giving us the education,
would promote a safer environment for our teenagers," said Ms. Pynn.