Pubdate: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 Source: Mountaineer, The (Rocky Mountain House, CN AB) Copyright: 2009 The Mountaineer Publishing Company, Ltd. Contact: http://rmh-mountaineer.awna.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2336 Author: Stu Salkeld Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) STUDENTS GIVE INPUT ON DRUG PROBLEM A recent survey conducted by the West Country Drug Coalition and assisted by local schools could reveal a bit about the lives of local students. WCDC board member and Rocky Town councillor Sheila Mizera said a 15-page survey was given to all students Grade 6 to 12 at West Central High, St. Dominic Catholic High, Pioneer School, Rocky Christian, David Thompson High, Condor School, Caroline School, Sunchild School, O'Chiese School, Leslieville School and St. Matthew Catholic School. Mizera said the survey was a follow-up to the recent "Slay the Dragon" conference, and is the same survey administered to schools in the Drayton Valley region. The survey includes many questions about students' experiences, exposure and knowledge of illegal drugs and drug culture. Mizera said many local elected officials have been working on this issue, and have been told by sources such as AADAC that perception and reality are not always the same thing. She said the perception can sometimes be that there is a drug problem affecting most or all teens, for example. Mizera said this survey is one way of finding out if perceptions match reality. She noted past surveys have shown most kids are on the straight and narrow. "The results show there are more kids doing the right thing than there are kids making the wrong choices," said Mizera at The Mountaineer office January 9. "It goes back to facts and data. You can't make change unless you know what reality is, as compared to perception." The anonymous survey was conducted January 9, and because it was 15 pages long, kids were also given a treat for completing it. Mizera stated the WCDC has been running "Charge!" ads in local newspapers to raise interest, and she noted it's linked to the theme, "Take charge of your life and make good choices." Mizera provided some sample questions: Q) If I have problems or questions, I can talk to ... ___ My Parents ___ My Teachers ___ Adult Neighbours ___ Social Workers ___ My Employer ___ My Friends ___ Guidance Counselors ___ The Police ___ The Town Office ___ A Religious Leader ___ Other ___ No One Q) Do you use marijuana? ___ Never used ___ Used but quit ___ Experimented with 1 or 2 times ___ Used 4 or 5 times ___ Usually use a few times a month ___ Usually use a few times a week ___ Usually use every day Q) If you have used marijuana, when did you start? ___ Never used ___ After Grade 12 ___ Grade 12 ___ Grade 11 ___ Grade 10 ___ Grade 9 ___ Grade 8 ___ Grade 7 ___ Grade 6 ___ Before Grade 6 ___ Don't remember Q) I can get marijuana ... Please check any of the boxes you feel are true. ___ I don't use it so I don't try to get it ___ At home because my parents don't mind ___ At home because I have brothers or sisters who can get it for me ___ From my friends ___ By buying it at school ___ By buying it somewhere other than school ___ I don't know where to get it Q) Have you used any of the following drugs (illegally or for non-medical purposes)? Please check any of the boxes that apply to you. ___ None of these ___ Crack/Cocaine ___ Heroin ___ Codeine/Tylenol 3 (T3s) ___ Mescaline ___ Acid / LSD Mizera said the various school results of the surveys will be compiled, and compared not only to each other but to the Drayton Valley results as well. She said the results will be made public. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin