ADDRESS DRUG ISSUE HEAD-ON

To The Packet:
The Packet is to be commended for the recent editorial regarding local teen
drug abuse and the fact that, according to a survey at Hilton Head High
School, it is significantly higher than the national average. This fact
should be a matter of concern for all of us.

While the school's principal shrugged off the survey because she believes
the students "didn't take the survey seriously," one wonders if it is the
school administration that didn't take the results seriously. It is indeed
difficult to deal with a problem if one denies its existence.

The editorial cites a number of excellent recommendations and ideas to
address the problem. Omitted was a very conscientious step by one of our
local schools, Hilton Head Preparatory School, which has announced its
intention to implement a drug testing program that will alert parents to
drug use by their children and include recommendations to deal with the
problem.

Testing gives a child who may be tempted one very important additional
reason to say "no." Parents and students soon will have the confidence of
knowing they attend a drug-free school. Peer pressure is a known factor
contributing to drug use, and if children are in a drug-free environment,
their odds of being drug-free are clearly enhanced.

Bold steps are never undertaken without legitimate debate and this approach
may not appeal to everyone, but Hilton Head Prep is certainly addressing
the issue head-on and setting an admirable example.

Gary N. Kocher Hilton Head Island