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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom