LAST WORD ON DARE

My name is Tyson Atkings and I have been following the recent
discussions on the DARE program. I am currently in Grade 12 at L.P.
Miller High School and have personally gone through the DARE program.

There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this discussion, but I
find them both lacking one key piece. That piece would be to ask those
involved - the students, parents and teachers! I firmly believe that
the DARE program is a worthwhile program.

I believe it is a myth that the DARE program is used as an
intimidation tactic. The program is very educational and provides
information about substances with addictive properties. The most
important part of this program is teaching young people how to say
"no" to temptation. DARE also prepares young people for other
presentations they will receive in high school.

Here are the hard facts - whether a person will try drugs or not has a
lot to do with whom they spend their free time with. That is something
you cannot change through educational programs, which I believe is why
the results of this experiment we call DARE do not seem so positive.
The results that should be examined are those of teens who have made
the decision not to do drugs. The DARE program helps take away some of
the curiosity and mystery associated with narcotics.

Other presentations in high school often have a great impact and often
incorporate intimidation tactics. One must realize these are not
associated with the DARE program.

One could go into the affect of marijuana on students and the
so-called addictive properties. You must realize that one of the big
factors about drugs like marijuana is that it is something deemed a
'gateway' drug. It opens up the opportunity to pass onto other drugs,
once realizing it may not have been exactly as bad as your educators
have made it out to be. That does not mean everyone will enter this
'gateway,' but through programs like DARE, this is what they try to
prevent.

As for police in schools, I (as well as many other students I have
discussed this with) believe having an actual police officer come into
school was beneficial. Some suggested having a reformed addict or
rehabilitated user come instead. This is a possibility, but would not
a police officer - who sees the effects of misuse - be just as good?
Also, the children become familiar with a particular officer and
believe me - we did!

I can remember being off topic and just talking to the officer and
asking questions. Now, as said students grow older and possibly become
associated with officers in a more negative way, their opinions will
change. At least they will have started at it with a positive attitude
that may be carried on throughout their lives.

I conducted a survey of 10 students (due to time restrictions) and
nine of the 10 students believed the program to be helpful while all
10 believed that having an officer come in was important.

In any case, I say save the DARE program. If this topic is to be
carried further, please consult those involved because I am confident
that they will tell you that it is necessary.

TYSON ATKINGS

Nipawin