Pubdate: Thu, 14 Mar 2002
Source: Cecil Whig (MD)
Website: http://www.cecilwhig.com/
Address: P.O. Box 429, Elkton, MD 21922
Contact:  2002 Cecil Whig
Fax: (410)398-4044
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DRUG PREVENTION STARTS AT HOME

A Whig reporter's two-part series this week analyzing the Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education (DARE) program in the county public schools included 
one very clear message for parents - drug prevention starts at home.

The DARE program has received some controversial attention in recent years 
about its effectiveness. Nationwide, critics have said the program is not 
keeping children drug-free. But no anti-drug program will end drug use 
totally. That's not realistic. It appears the program, adopted for county 
middle school students in 1991 and modified since, is working very 
effectively here. State surveys show a slight decline in drug use here 
among teens. What the surveys cannot tell you is how many teens could have 
fallen prey to drug abuse. Yes, there are still occasional deaths from drug 
overdose here. But no one knows how many more teens may have died if drug 
prevention programs like DARE were not offered to youth.

Police officers from different agencies in the county have moderated the 
DARE program over the years. It has become an effective communication 
experience between police and youths. The interaction has more benefits 
than just preventing drug abuse; it also has helped with the concerns for 
potential violence and security problems in the schools.

Of course, the responsibility for educating children about the perils of 
drug abuse - and setting moral standards for all social issues - doesn't 
just rest with public school teachers, counselors and police. It begins at 
home with parents.

Obviously, some parents do a better job parenting than others. No one in 
their right mind would claim to be a parenting expert. But common sense 
will tell you that good parental role models and teaching expected social 
standards at home carries on into the community. Cecil County is fortunate 
in that many parents share similar family values. But, of course, other 
factors can negate the best intentions.

DARE is just one drug prevention program. There are others, including a 
host of positive activities parents and their children can participate in, 
if they make the effort. That effort is usually initiated by adults, but 
children continue to contribute as seen in recent responses in letters to 
the editor from teens concerned about the need for more youth programs.

Every little bit counts in the effort to curb drug abuse.
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MAP posted-by: Beth