STUDENTS HEAR THE DANGERS OF DRUGS

Students at Bobcaygeon Public School know the consequences of using drugs.

Constable Mark Boileau of the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP addressed some
Grade 6 students last week. "I want to talk to you about drugs - marijuana,
alcohol and tobacco," he told the group. He said these were classified as
gateway drugs because "they open up a gate and they (people) start to use
other drugs like cocaine and heroin."

After some discussion about what drugs are, Const. Boileau said drugs were
anything put into people that change the way your mind works.

He also talked about consequences, which were defined as the result of what
you do or do not do.

Const. Boileau told the students that pressure to try drinking and drugs is
particularly strong in Grades 7, 8 and high school. "It's important to know
this because it's going to be a lot easier to say no when you know these
(facts)," he said.

The students watched a video showing children taking a "journey through the
land of decisions and choices." Students chasing a dog that stole their
homework were faced with a variety of situations and offers of drugs and
drinks.

Consuming drugs and alcohol makes you look fun but act stupid, the video
said. It added, "hospitals and jails are filled with people who let alcohol
rule their lives."

After the video, the students wrote lists of the consequences of doing or
not doing drugs, smoking or drinking. "You have the power to say no,"
Const. Boileau said.

"Just because it's in front of you doesn't mean you have to do it."