A SAFE RIDE IS JUST A MERE PHONE CALL AWAY

Everyday, opportunities exist for young people to make choices that might
affect their health and their future. Sometimes these choices are about the
use drugs and alcohol. The Ontario Student Drug Use Survey 2003 (OSDUS)
results show that the decisions made by Ontario youth are improving in some
areas, but other results are worrisome.

Findings show an encouraging decrease in tobacco use among Ontario's
youth--down to 19 per cent from 23per cent in 2001. However, other
statistics demonstrate that some young people are making choices that put
their health and future well being at significant risk.

Approximately 29 per cent of students reported being a passenger in a car
at least once in the past year with someone who had been drinking, and 23
per cent with a driver who was using drugs. In addition, the survey found
that 45 per cent of Grade 11 and 12 students used marijuana at least once
in the past year; and about one quarter (26 per cent) of students reported
binge drinking (5-plus drinks on one occasion) at least once during the
month before the survey. Binge drinking influences the person's ability to
make decisions and increases the likelihood of injury and sexual assault.

The study, conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
provides a detailed look into drug and alcohol use in Ontario.

In 1999, an additional 3304 Halton youth completed the Ontario Student Drug
Use Survey to determine if the provincial results were reflective of the
Halton community. There was essentially no difference between the
Provincial and Halton drug use rates at that time. Therefore, the 2003
Provincial statistics likely reflect the current drug and alcohol use among
Halton youth.

The community has an important role to play in supporting young people with
some of the challenging decisions they face. Whether you are a parent,
relative or friend - being there for a young person is powerful. Talk to
them about alcohol and other drugs and teach them how to manage risk.

Here are some things that you can discuss with your teen before they go to
their next party:

Stay with friends; take care of each other

Discuss ways to get out of a pressure situation

Never get into a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol or smoking
marijuana

If your teen chooses to drink, discuss ways that keep them safe.

Another easy and effective way to support a young person is to sign an
agreement that promises that you will be there for them, anytime, anywhere
- - no lectures, no hassles. The Health Department is trying to raise
awareness about the use of a "phone me card". The card simply identifies
the name and number of someone they can call anytime, anywhere if they need
help. It's a great gift for a teenager to carry in their wallet so they are
not afraid to call you if they are in an awkward or unsafe situation.
Remember, no lectures - no hassles for calling.

Support a young person in your life by creating your own "phone me card" or
to have a phone me card sent to you. Call the Halton Region Health
Department 905-825-6000, TTY 905-827-9833, or visit
www.region.halton.on.ca/health.