Pubdate: Wed, 08 Nov 2006
Source: Valley Echo, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Valley Echo
Contact:  http://www.invermerevalleyecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2140
Author: Hon. Shirley Bond

EDUCATION HELPS FIGHT CRYSTAL METH USE

Crystal Methamphetamine Production and Use Is a Serious and Growing 
Problem in British Columbia That Can Affect US All.

Did you know that chemicals and fumes produced in a meth lab pose a 
risk of fire and explosions, and can expose neighbours to dangerous 
toxins, fumes and hazardous byproducts?

Even more disturbing is the impact crystal meth use is having on the 
lives of our young people. According to recent studies, approximately 
five per cent of B.C. students in grades 7-12 may have used 
methamphetamine. That's about 17,000 young people. That's a 
staggering number. And crystal meth use is much higher among some 
groups of at-risk youths.

Studies also show that most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in 
grades 9 or 10. So if we're going to stop kids from trying crystal 
meth, we need to reach them before they are in Grade 9 -- when they 
are in grades 6 or 7.

And that's just what we are doing.

This week, our government rolled out a $3-million classroom and 
public education campaign aimed directly at youth, parents and 
teachers. We have been working with addiction experts at the Centre 
for Addiction Research of B.C., located at the University of 
Victoria, to develop the very best crystal meth resources for our 
schools and the public.

Research done by these experts shows that young people are much more 
influenced by people with whom they have a steady and trusted 
relationship, such as friends, parents and teachers, than incorrect 
information and scare tactics. That's why our school program features 
tools and resources for students, parents and teachers.

The classroom lessons begin in Grade 6 and the resources continue 
through Grade 12. They will help our young people make healthy 
choices about what they put in their bodies -- choices that will 
ultimately affect their mental, physical and emotional development.

Research shows that students retain information when it is 
interactive, practical and relevant to them. So we have developed 
classroom activities such as games and tips for handling certain 
situations, like how to stay safe when they are out with their 
friends or how to say no to peer pressure, and activities they can 
take home to use with their parents.

We have also developed a Web site at www.no2meth.ca that has 
information, tools and resources for students, parents and teachers. 
For students, there are sections on meth facts, how to talk to your 
parents about drugs, and how to stay safe when you are out with your friends.

For parents, there are sections on why kids do drugs, as well as tips 
on how to talk to your child about drugs, and what protective steps 
to take before your child is exposed to drugs. We have also printed a 
parents' guide to crystal meth that will be available through schools.

Our classroom and public education campaign is part of the provincial 
crystal meth strategy. In 2004, B.C. became the first jurisdiction in 
Canada to announce an integrated crystal meth strategy.

Then, at last year's Union of British Columbia Municipalities 
convention, Premier Gordon Campbell committed $7 million for new 
initiatives to fight crystal meth use, including:

* $2 million for community-based anti-meth programs (grants of up to 
$10,00 for each community);

* $2 million to enhance existing treatment programs and ensure that 
professional care is available for meth-addicted youth;

* $1 million for a school-based crystal meth awareness campaign; and

* $2 million for a broad-based public education campaign to ensure 
that youth and their parents are informed about meth use and addiction.

I know that being a parent today can be challenging and stressful. I 
also know that our children are faced with many competing influences 
in their lives. That's why it is important that our government help 
families by helping teach our children about the dangers of crystal 
meth use and by providing useful tools and resources.

I encourage you to visit our Web site at www.no2meth.ca and to stop 
by your school to pick up a copy of the parents' guide to crystal meth.

These are two ways our government is delivering on its commitment to 
fight crystal meth use and to invest in B.C.'s children, students and future.

Hon. Shirley Bond,

B.C. Minister of Education
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MAP posted-by: Elaine