EDITORIAL: BUSH PARTIES TODAY ARE MORE DANGEROUS

Summer is a time for parties and no one enjoys a good party more than
a teenager. They're a rite of growing up, but along with the fun
there's the potential for danger.

That's why the Halton Regional Health Department has teamed up with
Halton Regional Police and the two local school boards to promote
their opposition to summertime bush parties.

Bush parties today are not like the ones parents might remember
attending in their younger days.

According to the health department, these modern-day bashes allow for
easier access to illegal drugs like ecstasy, criminal or gang activity
and a higher risk of sexual assault.

Simply put, there's far less control at bush parties than at typical
house parties and, therefore, the potential for trouble greatly increases.

According to the 2001 Ontario Student Drug Survey, which collected
data from students in grades 7 to 13, 14 per cent of bush party-goers
used ecstasy. When it came to hallucinogens, 23 per cent of bush
party-goers admitted to using the illegal drugs.

Parents are urged to assume the responsibility for the health and
safety of their children by asking them the tough questions and giving
them all the information they need to make informed decisions.