Pubdate: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 Source: Island Packet (SC) Copyright: 2003,sThe Island Packet Contact: http://www.islandpacket.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1514 Author: Gary N. Kocher Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) ADDRESS DRUG ISSUE HEAD-ON To The Packet: The Packet is to be commended for the recent editorial regarding local teen drug abuse and the fact that, according to a survey at Hilton Head High School, it is significantly higher than the national average. This fact should be a matter of concern for all of us. While the school's principal shrugged off the survey because she believes the students "didn't take the survey seriously," one wonders if it is the school administration that didn't take the results seriously. It is indeed difficult to deal with a problem if one denies its existence. The editorial cites a number of excellent recommendations and ideas to address the problem. Omitted was a very conscientious step by one of our local schools, Hilton Head Preparatory School, which has announced its intention to implement a drug testing program that will alert parents to drug use by their children and include recommendations to deal with the problem. Testing gives a child who may be tempted one very important additional reason to say "no." Parents and students soon will have the confidence of knowing they attend a drug-free school. Peer pressure is a known factor contributing to drug use, and if children are in a drug-free environment, their odds of being drug-free are clearly enhanced. Bold steps are never undertaken without legitimate debate and this approach may not appeal to everyone, but Hilton Head Prep is certainly addressing the issue head-on and setting an admirable example. Gary N. Kocher Hilton Head Island - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom