LOCAL OFFICER TEACHING CHILDREN TO SAY 'NO' TO DRUGS

The South Bruce OPP is offering a new program that helps children
become aware of the dangers of violence and drugs.

Constable Kevin Martin is the D.A.R.E. to resist drugs and violence
(DARE) instructor for South Bruce. The program is offered to Grade 6
students in Kincardine for the time being, although there are other
levels in the DARE program.

The program teaches the children life lessons they can use in the
future when they hit high school and are bound to be victims of peer
pressure.

"I am helping keep kids away from drugs and helping them become good
citizens... it's a win, win," Martin said. "Who knows who they will
become?"

The program consists of 10, one-hour sessions and starts with teaching
the students about the media and advertising. DARE is a program the
children learn at school and then have 'home work' they children do
with their parents.

Martin said the most important part of DARE is the decision making
model. D - define, A - assess, R - respond and E - evaluate. This
model will help the children with decisions they may be confused with,
like peer pressure to drink, smoke cigarettes and do drugs.

"Anything that equips our children to make healthy choices is a win
for everybody, because they're our future," Martin added.

The program's mascot Darren is a popular part of the program. The
reason for Darren being a lion is that lions represent courage.

Every lesson, the children discuss how to make good decisions and the
health effects of the bad ones.

"It's rewarding because the kids are very excited about DARE," Martin
said. "And I'm excited that they're excited."

For more information about DARE, visit dare.com or call Martin at
519-396-3341.