Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2001 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd Contact: http://www.haltonsearch.com/index.html?category=1K6H7KB93 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503 BOTH SCHOOL BOARDS AGAINST RAVES Many parents or guardians may have limited knowledge about what goes on at a rave or an all-night dance party. To help parents understand more about these events, the Halton Regional Police Service, the Halton Region Health Department, the Halton Catholic District School Board and the Halton District School Board are working together. The four community partners say they don't support youth attending raves or all-night dance parties because they're unsafe environments. They say they're unsafe because drugs are easy to access, fire safety issues are common, the risk of assault is higher, lighting is poor and criminal activity may be attracted to raves. Other potential health risks include excessive heat, risk of dehydration and/or seizures. Parents may feel reassured to find that raves are usually alcohol-free and have a police presence outside the building. But that doesn't always accurately reflect what's going on inside, the community partners say. According to the Halton Student Drug Use Survey in 1999, 15 per cent or an estimated 4,500 Halton students had attended a rave in the pervious 12 months. If your child is planning on attending a rave, talk to them about the safety issues above and ask them the following questions: * Where's the event? * Who are they going with? * How will they handle peer pressure? * How will they get home? * What time will they come home? In addition, if your child is going to attend a rave encourage them to: * Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration (500 ml. per hour for vigorous physical activity) * Take frequent breaks from dancing to cool off * Stay with trusted friends at the event and on the way home * Not to use illicit drugs or alcohol Coming this fall, rave information sessions are planned for youth and parents. For information, call the health department at (905) 825-6060, ext. 7490. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens