Pubdate: Fri, 15 Mar 2013
Source: Brampton Guardian (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Brampton Guardian
Contact:  http://www.thebramptonguardian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1485
Author: Nouman Khalil

FIGHT THE WAR ON DRUGS

A short while ago I had the chance to cover a story about the use of
drugs in high schools and the findings disturb me.

Many questions are stuck in my head. I cannot understand why a kid
could be so cruel to him or herself.

A study done by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows
alcohol, high-caffeine energy drinks, cannabis and cigarettes are in
high demand among youth.

The survey's figures in 2011 show that 58.6 per cent of students have
consumed alcohol, with 54.9 per cent in the past 12 months, excluding
those who just tried it.

The statistics show that younger kids in Grade 7 and 8 are also caught
up in drugs.

For me, it is really an eye-opener. I thought only smokers could take
drugs, but here the situation is totally different.

Apart from drinking alcohol and smoking, there are many other ways-
injections and pills- and weed can be eaten baked in food such as
muffins. Some are taking these drugs for fun while others are
foolishly trying to rebel and punish those who actually love them.

We are all part of one giant community and for us all children are
precious. Personally, I am scared and worried about them. I hope youth
involved in drugs are a small minority and eventually they will come
back to a healthy lifestyle.

Peel and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School boards along with
Peel Regional Police are working together in the fight against drug
abuse in schools.

It is great police education officers, under RAID (Reduce Abuse in
Drugs) program, visit schools and deliver lectures to educate youth
and spread awareness.

However, they need to do a lot more, especially at a time when
teachers are not fully focusing on students' behaviour outside the
classroom and skipping extracurricular activities.

Routine tests and achievements do matter, but in this instance, they
have to be spot-on in eradicating drugs from schools.

It's incredibly alarming that, despite several years of enforcement,
doda- an illegal drug-is openly available in various Indian grocery
stores.

Doda was banned in January 2010 and the public was warned that if
anyone found in possession or selling doda, will be arrested and
charged with trafficking or possession of a controlled substance.

At present, doda is still available in various stores in Brampton,
Mississauga and other parts of the GTA.

Once doda was restricted to adults, but today it has been spread to
our schools. As a community we need to defend and protect these
institutions.

Parents should create an atmosphere within the family where kids can
feel free to express their views.

Mothers are known for reading children's minds.

They now have a bigger responsibility to find out where kids are going
and where their interests are.

Keeping a check on available alcohol or cigarettes at home is also
necessary.

Children also need to realize the importance of respecting parents,
teachers and elders.

The key to success lies in listening to them.
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MAP posted-by: Matt