Pubdate: Wed, 16 Nov 2005
Source: Burnaby Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.burnabynow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1592
Author: Christina Myers, staff reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FORUM TARGETS TEENS, DRUGS

Knowledge is power - and the goal of an upcoming forum for parents of
teens is hoping to arm people with plenty of it.

Drugs and Teens: Parenting Issues is scheduled to take place Thursday, Nov.
24 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, and organizers are hoping to draw a large
crowd of local parents.

The forum, which is presented by the Burnaby school district's youth
and community service department, Burnaby parks and recreation youth
services, Burnaby Youth Services - RCMP, Fraser Health Authority
Addictions Services, Odyssey 1 and St. Leonard's Society, is not just
geared towards those who may already be struggling with the issue of
drugs.

"Substance abuse is a community issue, it spans social and economic
groups," says David Huntington, a counsellor at Odyssey 1.

"If a kid isn't using (drugs), chances are good they know someone who
does. It's something they're going to run into, and most teens will
have to make a decision around that at some point," he said.

Huntington, who will be moderating part of the forum, says the skills
and education are valuable for all parents and that, sometimes, it's
the youth one would least expect who end up with problems.

"You can't identify necessarily who is having a problem - it's not
this stereotypical kid hanging out in the smoke pit."

Huntington says creating positive relationships and opening the lines
of communication are critical tools in helping a child successfully
navigate the teen years.

"(At the forum) we're going to hear about what the youth services in
the community are seeing out there and finding out what parents can do
- - not just information but strategies that they can utilize when they
are talking with their kids.

"What we're really focusing on is that relationship, to have
conversations that don't turn into power struggles."

And while he notes that drugs like crystal meth have gotten plenty of
media attention, issues with marijuana and alcohol are just as serious
and can't be overlooked.

He encourages all parents to consider coming to the event to
learn.

"Come find out some things that you can use to work with your kid.
Recognizing that sometimes it can be frustrating to talk with your
teenagers, we think there are some strategies that can be used."

Parents will also receive a resource package that night.

The forum is scheduled for Nov. 24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Michael J.
Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave. (at Burnaby South secondary school).
Cost is $5 at the door, no reservations required. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake