PARENT FORUM ON TEENS

It's not too late to register for My Child Wouldn't Do That, a free
seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Glenbrook Middle
School's gymnasium.

Among youths between the ages of 12 and 18, New Westminster has
become known as "party central," according to local parent Margot
Barton, in a press release.

Several times last fall, police were called to locations in the city
to break up parties of up to 200 youth who were using text messaging
on their cellphones to gather in locations at Queen's Park, Herbert
Spencer Elementary School and Glenbrook Middle School.

The level of alcohol and drug use was disturbing at these parties, as
was the mess left behind - liquor bottles, cigarette butts and other
items, said Barton.

Police are not blaming party-going youth for the problems.

"There's no maliciousness, but the level of drunkenness is so high
that they don't realize how bad their behaviour is," said New
Westminster Const. Shaun Machesney, who has had the experience of
policing many such parties.

"I think there might be some confusion about the laws," said New
Westminster Const. Camille Oliveira, who works as a school liaison
officer at the high school

"Openly carrying liquor under age is against the law. And marijuana
is still illegal," Oliveira said.

More than that, the behaviour puts these kids, particularly girls, at
high risk for sexual exploitation, said Karen Janzen, New Westminster
Secondary's school-based prevention worker.

"Kids are unknowingly getting into sexual exploitation," Janzen said,
"Plus, when they're drinking or stoned, there's a lack of sexual
inhibition that puts them at risk."

Students as young as Grade 6 are being involved in this lifestyle. In
fact, according to recent studies, more than half of youth aged 13 to
19 in New Westminster are using drugs and/or alcohol. One-third of
12-year-olds in the Lower Mainland report having used alcohol in the
last month.

Randy Miller is the featured speaker at Tuesday night's event.
Miller, a former New Westminster star student-athlete, is one person
who fell into the drug culture. He went from being a track star to a
heroin addict living on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Miller was featured in the award-winning film shot by Vancouver
Police Department officers, Through a Blue Lens. After seeing himself
on film, he overcame his addiction and is now off drugs and working full-time.

In addition to Miller and other speakers, there will be handouts for
parents that include information on what signs to look for if your
child is using drugs. There will also be displays from organizations
such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and ICBC.

Pre-registration is required for this free information evening. Call
604-517-6345 and register for course N88. Babysitting will be
provided free of charge. For more information, call Barton at
604-522-3997 or Janzen at 604-517-5927 or Trevor Cave at 604-306-9005.