Pubdate: Sun, 01 Dec 2002
Source: Dawson Trail Dispatch (CN MB)
Copyright: Dawson Trail Dispatch 2002
Contact:  http://www.dawsontrail.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2709
Author: Gregor Aitken, St. Pierre-Joly RCMP

SOUND ADVICE: RECREATIONAL DRUGS ON THE INTERNET

Do you know the type of Web sites your kids like to visit? While surfing 
the net, your kids can find elaborately designed Web sites that are packed 
with information on a variety of recreational drugs, from marijuana to some 
of the newer club drugs like ecstasy. While they appear to be an 
encyclopedia of "facts" about different drugs, these sites are filled with 
information like recommended dosage, how the drug will make people feel, 
and what kids can do if they get caught while high on a particular drug.

Here are some suggestions for what parents can do:

- - Talk to your kids about the Web sites they visit.

- - If they are searching online for information about drugs, point them to 
sites such as www.freevibe.com and www.clubdrugs.org that are run by 
credible organizations that don't glamorize drug use.

- - Help your child become media literate by watching and listening to the 
messages they receive. Discuss any messages about drugs that are untrue or 
that show drugs are used in a positive way. Point out the disadvantages of 
using drugs, like failure in school or losing the trust of the family.

- - Surf the Web with your child to find out what kinds of media they are 
being exposed to. Ask probing questions about why your child finds these 
Web sites appealing. Have them look or listen for pro-drug or other 
unhealthy messages and discuss how to resist those behaviors.

A new study published in Pediatrics by Dr. Paul M. Wax of the Department of 
Medical Toxicology at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, 
Arizona, speculates that the rise of Web sites and online forums, which 
give information on "safe" and "responsible" drug use, may be partly to 
blame for the growing acceptance of club drugs by young people.

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign also has several publications 
on talking to kids about drugs, including the latest brochure, "Keeping 
Your Kids Drug-Free: A How-To Guide for Parents and Caregivers." This 
brochure can be downloaded at 
http://tm0.com/theantidrug/sbct.cgi?s=110316625&i=625796&m=1&d=29977= 38.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom