ACCURACY MATTERS IN DRUG EDUCATION

Re: "Pre-teens target of gangsters," April 24.

The best way to prevent drug use in children and youth includes
providing accurate information to both parents and children.

Child and youth rates of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use dropped
significantly between 2003 and 2008. Rates of use of amphetamines
(including crystal meth) dropped from four per cent to two per cent.

However, surveys also showed that the younger a child was when they
first tried alcohol, the more likely they were to have subsequently
tried marijuana and amphetamines.

Youth who have been abused, and/or who are not connected to family
school or community are most at risk for early alcohol use and
subsequent other drug misuse.

This information tells us how to identify and protect the most
vulnerable children in our society.

Misinformation at best has no impact on youth behaviours, and at
worst has the opposite effect of what is intended.

Health Canada's Drug Analysis Laboratory in Burnaby tests all samples
of illegal drugs seized by police that are to be submitted as
evidence in criminal trials. Large proportions of club drugs like
ecstasy contain methamphetamine, but the laboratory has never found a
sample of cannabis contaminated by crystal meth.

Our children depend on us to be factual and accurate and honest.
Nowhere is this more important than in drug education.

Perry Kendall

Provincial health officer