Pubdate: Mon, 24 Oct 2005
Source: Stoney Creek News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Brabant Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3416
Author: Peggy Chapman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

HIGH-SCHOOLERS GET IDEAS HEARD ON LIVE RADIO

It Was A First For Hamilton High Schoolers.

For three hours Oct. 17, students filled an auditorium to discuss issues 
facing teens n live on the radio n unscripted and unedited for all to hear.

900 CHML talk show host Jamie West organized specific panels to answer the 
student's questions.

The first group consisted of media and police. Hamilton Police Chief Brian 
Mullan faced an onslaught of requests to legalize marijuana.

One student, Alex, insisted alcohol is a bigger problem than pot smoking.

"You don't hear about fights or stabbings outside of places like Up In 
Smoke (a downtown cannibis cafe), the violence and crime happens at bars 
and nightclubs where people are drinking," he said.

Students lined up at the microphone for the chance to have their say.

When the panel began to discuss parental supervision, the youthful audience 
agreed they need parents home after school because "that's when kids do 
drugs and surf the net."

They also felt parents should provide more discipline, instead of trying to 
be their kids' friend.

The panelists and listeners mentioned being impressed and surprised by the 
depth of questions and how thoughtful the students were when it came to 
issues like drugs, politics and pop culture.

West and other panelists admitted the show was risky because it was live 
radio, but it was the first time this many students had the opportunity to 
make their voices heard to the greater community.

"I am hoping to make this an annual event," said Mr. West.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom