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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine