DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM AIMS AT PARENTS

Communication between a parent and child is crucial in educating
children and teens about the harms of drug abuse. Unfortunately, many
parents struggle to sustain that dialogue.

In an effort to build bridges between parents and their children,
Janet Cornell, Hugh Sutherland School student councillor, and Didsbury
partner Robbin Alexander, are offering a new program to parents dubbed
Kids and Drugs.

The program is different from many other drug education programs in
that parents are not taught the specifics about individual drugs, but
rather stresses the importance of keeping an open communication
channel between parents and their children.

"The most important thing about this program is that we do not educate
parents on the drugs that are out there - how they're sold, what they
look like, how kids use them, etc.," says Cornell. "This is all about
improving communication with your child so you open those doors up
when that child has questions about peer influences."

The two-month program invites parents to meet once a week at Hugh
Sutherland School between 7 and 8 p.m., from Oct. 6 to Dec. 8. The
program is being offered free of charge, with all materials being
provided by the program.

Cornell says that although educating kids about drugs in school is
very important, there also needs to be education at home so that
children always have someone to go to when they need help.

"The more you educate your own children on drugs and sexual activity
and sexually transmitted infections, the less they are even going to
want to try them because the parent has opened that door to say, 'Hey
look, you can come talk to us anytime about the dangers and what we
want to instill in you now is (to) make some good choices.'"

As a councillor at the school for the past 17 years, Cornell says that
she has seen quite a few drug fads come and go, but what always stays
consistent is that drugs are always a threat.

"What I usually hear is what kids usually use, and it's pot. Ecstasy
was a big one a couple of years ago, it was (commonly) used and it was
damn scary," says Cornell, adding that the most commonly used drug by
students is alcohol.

Such concerns make it that much more important for parents to be open
with their children. Cornell says that parents should be aware of
where their children spend their free time and who their friends are.

"It's all a major communication process (parents) will go through just
to open doors and just to make sure that kids will make some healthy
choices."

"A program like this will enhance their confidence as parents that
we're all good parents but it's always good to get a little extra
(knowledge) just to open the doors so there is two-way communication
going back and forth."

Parents interested in taking the program are asked to contact Janet
Cornell at 403-337-3326 or via e-mail at jcornell@chinooksedge.ab.ca .