Pubdate: Wed, 29 Nov 2006
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2006 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Nancy Willis

PARENTS URGED TO TALK TO THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS

Presentation in Morell Emphasizes Being Actively Involved In
Children's Lives

MORELL - Be aware, be alert and be involved was the message to 
parents at Morell regional high school at a recent meeting called to 
offer information about the growing array of street drugs available 
to children on P.E.I.

Charlottetown police officer Gary Clow and Margie MacLean of Murphy's 
Pharmacies spoke to 22 local parents about everything from alcohol 
and tobacco additions, to ecstasy, crack cocaine and crystal meth.

The presentation was an awareness raising event that encouraged 
parents to be involved with their children and be familiar of what is 
out there in the drug world.

"With growing public concern about new highly addictive drugs such as 
crystal meth and oxycontin, as well as ongoing problems with binge 
drinking, this project is seeking to ensure that parents are aware of 
the many good ideas, programs and materials that are available to 
them," said Shirley S. Jay, executive director of the P.E.I. Home and 
School Federation.

Clow and MacLean showed several graphic videos depicting the extremes 
of crack cocaine and crystal meth addiction, and itemized symptoms of 
use for which parents can watch.

They emphasized the importance of being actively involved in 
children's lives. They said the best protection against destructive 
drug use is good communication between children and parents; parents 
who get involved with children's lives; and setting clear rules that 
are consistently enforced.

"Talk to your children about drugs," Clow said. "Over 50 per cent of 
the kids we speak to in the schools say their parents never talked to 
them. Also check on where your kids are."

John Farrell, a parent in the Morell area, said it was a good 
presentation, particularly for parents who are not at all familiar 
with the drug scene. He was also glad to see that there were parents 
of elementary school children there.

He reaffirmed the need for communication between parents and children.

"Over the last few years parents have given the schools the 
responsibility for drug and sex education, and they don't talk about 
it in the home anymore."

Commenting on the videos, Farrell who is also a guidance counsellor, 
reminded people that what they saw are extremes which relate, for the 
most part, to addictive personalities.

"Yes, there are drugs out there, but the vast majority of young 
people do not get involved," he said.
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