Pubdate: Fri, 16 Nov 2007
Source: High River Times (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 High River Times
Contact: http://cgi.bowesonline.com/pedro.php?id=61&x=contact
Website: http://www.highrivertimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/781
Author: Jessica Patterson, Times Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

PARENTS D.A.R.E. TO LEARN ABOUT DRUGS

A handful of parents showed up  at Highwood High on Tuesday night to 
learn about the  drugs their children might be exposed to every day.

"This is just the first of five or six session this  year," said RCMP 
Const. Krista Woods, D.A.R.E  co-ordinator.

Tuesday's session was about illegal drug use: what  parents could 
look for in their children and how to  minimize the risk of them 
getting involved in drugs.

"The sessions are just for adults -- it's geared for  parents, 
caregivers, and legal guardians," Const. Woods  said.

Parents are key in helping teach their children the  effects of drugs 
on the brain.

"It takes a lot of awareness and education," Const.  Woods said.

The lessons Tuesday evening included identifying  environmental 
conditions that promote drug use, and  descriptions of common drugs 
available on and off the  streets.

Woods described the signs and symptoms of drug use,  including 
changes in kids' grades, their circle of  friends, sleeping patterns and moods.

Parents listened through information and surveys, and  of Woods' 
tales of encounters with young people under  the influence of drugs.

The biggest thing parents can do, Woods said, is listen  and trust 
their intuition.

Open communication between parents and teenagers is critical.

"Let your kids understand that they can come to you  about anything," 
Woods said.

Keeping them involved in after school activities, like  clubs and 
sports, makes them less likely to use drugs,  as does getting to know 
their friends and their  friends' parents, to make sure they share 
similar views  on drugs and alcohol.

Woods is giving another D.A.R.E. Parent Program session  next Tuesday 
on bullying, including cyber-bullying, at  Highwood high school at 7 
p.m. On Nov. 27, Woods is  giving her third D.A.R.E session on Internet safety.

"I realize parents are really busy and for them to  commit to three 
sessions is tough," Woods said.  "There's the option of them 
attending one, two, or all  three."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom