Pubdate: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 Source: Advertiser (CN NF) Page: 12 Copyright: 2009 Advertiser Contact: http://www.gfwadvertiser.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3453 Author: Billy Canning Cited: Newfoundland and Labrador, Student Drug Use Survey 2007 http://tinyurl.com/de6wlg Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT DRUGS While legal and illegal drugs are easily obtained by youth in today's society, it's important for parents to minimize the interest by educating their children of the dangers about drugs says RCMP Cpl. Ann Noel. " Many parents do worry about their children, but worrying doesn't do anything," said Cpl. Noel of the Drug and Organized Crime Awareness Services, during a public awareness session last Monday night at Manuel Hall in Springdale. " We have to take action," she said. During the session, Cpl. Noel discussed the negative impacts of various drugs, while reinforcing that parents and community leaders need to take a proactive approach in combating drugs in their homes and communities. " You're no different than any other community in Newfoundland and Labrador. It's just if we have to take ownership and be aware of what's out there, so we're better armed to fight the drugs out there," said Cpl. Noel. Implementing stringent rules for teens and not comprising on any drug use, whether it's legal or illegal, are guidelines parents need to consider. " If we don't say no that you can't smoke because that's going to harm you, then what are we saying when we get to alcohol and drugs?" asked Cpl. Noel. " They're not going to believe us. Once you allow them, you're saying it's okay." Not only should parents set rules and enforce guidelines, but also removing double standards is just as important, added Cpl. Noel. " Lead by example, make healthy lifestyle choices. It's not good for you on a Friday night to sit at the coffee table with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other hand," she said to the gathering of roughly 20 people. According to a Newfoundland and Labrador, Student Drug Use Survey conducted in 2007, figures suggest that teens are using drugs. Fiftytwo per cent reported using alcohol at least once in the year; in 2003, 58 per cent. Twenty-nine-and-a-half per cent reported they used cannabis at least once in the year; in 2003, 35 per cent. The biggest increase was the use of ecstasy. In 2007, 7.2 per cent reported they used ecstasy at least once in the year; in 2003, 2 per cent. A total of 3,848 students responded with an 82 per cent response rate. " We have to talk about this, it's there. It's in the kids' faces. They need to hear it from you guys, not their friends," said Cpl. Noel. While parents need to be cognizant of illegal drugs, Cpl. Noel said there's a new trend out there that's equally as dangerous, teenagers using prescription and non-prescription medicine. She said that teenagers are taking medication from their home, or even from other people's homes and consuming the drugs with alcohol. " Some of the youth in our communities are actually taking from medicine bottles, one or two pills and once they get to a party that night, it all goes into a bowl and then they'll pass it around," she said. That type of gathering is called a "pharm-party." " The problems that come with that is when they come to the emergency room, you don't know what they've taken," she said. Some red flags parents should be aware of that may indicate their teen is using drugs are: declining school performance; changing eating or sleeping habits; changes in behaviour; increased secrecy about possessions and activity. " When you think about it, it may be any one of our adolescents. So, you've got to remember that the main thing is staying in tune with your youth," said Cpl. Noel. According to Cpl. Noel, Springdale is not a community with the spotlight on it regarding drugs. " You're not one that's on my radar, not to say it's not out there and not being abused." Mayor of Springdale Harvey Tizzard attended the public awareness session and said council would get involved if drugs become an issues in the community. " We'll take it to the next level, meet on it and call the necessary people and have forums like we just had," said Mr. Tizzard. " We as leaders have to take hold and watch for this type of thing and do what needs to be done, and our council is proactive in that area." Resident of Springdale and attendee of the session, Donna Pynn, said the presentation was informative, but " too bad we didn't have more young people and parents." "I think that creating the awareness and giving us the education, would promote a safer environment for our teenagers," said Ms. Pynn. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom