STARTING IN THE HOME

A recent survey of drug use among Lower Mainland youth should give us all
pause for thought. The study, done by Pacific Community Resources, found
that most young people between the ages of 12 and 24 either drank alcohol
or smoked marijuana -- and that most started at an early age. (See story,
page 1)

Getting information to these young people before they start, therefore, is
critical for ensuring they don't begin travelling a path that is fraught
with danger.

The good news is that the information source kids trust most is their
parents. The bad news is we're doing a poor job at providing that
information. Despite being the most trusted source for information, parents
ranked fifth for actually telling their children what they wanted to know.

Reasons for that discrepancy could be many. But one startling finding is
that most kids first try marijuana at an early age (grades 6-8). Perhaps
parents simply aren't thinking their 11-year-olds are ready to talk about
issues as complex as drug use.

The study makes some positive suggestions for helping parents get the
information they need to share with their children.

But getting the tools to parents won't be enough. It is up to us to ensure
the lines of communication open at an early age and remain open.