Pubdate: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Abbotsford Times Contact: http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009 Author: Mrs. E. Wishart Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n579.a08.html HIGHER STANDARDS NEEDED IN NEWSPAPERING Re: Kids trading sex for drugs, Front page, April 8. Why a free local newspaper like the Abbotsford/Mission Times would need to print shocking headlines baffles me. The Times readership is mainly made up of adults, but the employees who deliver these papers are children. I have three sons and our family has been delivering the Times for five years. My children deliver 160 papers, therefore your headlines were read by them 160 times on Friday as they stuffed the papers with flyers. I understand that you have high standards for newspaper delivery. My sons are informed immediately if there is a complaint from one of your free subscribers. Just as high standards for delivery are expected of my boys, I would ask you to set high standards in the wording chosen for headlines. Be sensitive to impressionable eyes and ears. My nine-year-old doesn't really understand what "Kids trading sex for drugs" means, but he did read those words on Friday. My 11-year-old and 13-year-old boys have just been educated about the connection between kids, drugs and sex. Terrible things are happening in our society and I understand that your newspaper needs to write about them. But using shocking words in bold letters with disturbing photos while allowing profanity to be printed on your pages amplifies the decline in decency in your paper and in society. The Bible says we are to honour one another above ourselves. Even people who do not agree with the Bible would agree that if everyone lived with the intention to "honour" others the world would be better. I am writing to request that you honour my children - your employees - by being careful about the words you use. And I will make sure my children uphold your standards for proper newspaper delivery. Mrs. E. Wishart Mission - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin