'TOUGH LOVE' FIGHTS DRUG USE IN SCHOOLS

As a former educator and mother of two children, I applaud Superintendent
James Merrill for his response to the drug problem in our schools.
Sometimes as parents, citizens and educators, we need to exercise "tough
love" in our dealings with adolescents. Most children seek limits so that
they will feel more secure. If we abdicate our responsibilities and don't
set these limits, we may have created a monster that will come back to
haunt us.

Even with its limitations, undercover police strategy in our schools seems
to be the most effective means of detecting drug sellers and users.
Although the sale of drugs is the most serious offense, the use of drugs
may often lead to the sale of drugs. Also, those adolescents who use
marijuana often "graduate" to more harmful drugs like heroin and cocaine.
Parents of adolescents, confused and anxious about these problems, often
compromise their value system in the hope they are "saving" their kids.

Finally, the drug problem in schools is not unique to this area. It has
become a global issue. We should present a united front in developing and
implementing a program to protect our children from harmful drugs.

Ellie Borst

Elon