Pubdate: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 Source: Nipawin Journal, The (CN SN) Copyright: 2007 The Nipawin Journal Contact: http://www.nipawinjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/867 Note: Include an address and contact number for purposes of verification. Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n262/a02.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n262/a06.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n262/a08.html Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n290/a05.html Author: Tyson Atkings LAST WORD ON DARE My name is Tyson Atkings and I have been following the recent discussions on the DARE program. I am currently in Grade 12 at L.P. Miller High School and have personally gone through the DARE program. There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this discussion, but I find them both lacking one key piece. That piece would be to ask those involved - the students, parents and teachers! I firmly believe that the DARE program is a worthwhile program. I believe it is a myth that the DARE program is used as an intimidation tactic. The program is very educational and provides information about substances with addictive properties. The most important part of this program is teaching young people how to say "no" to temptation. DARE also prepares young people for other presentations they will receive in high school. Here are the hard facts - whether a person will try drugs or not has a lot to do with whom they spend their free time with. That is something you cannot change through educational programs, which I believe is why the results of this experiment we call DARE do not seem so positive. The results that should be examined are those of teens who have made the decision not to do drugs. The DARE program helps take away some of the curiosity and mystery associated with narcotics. Other presentations in high school often have a great impact and often incorporate intimidation tactics. One must realize these are not associated with the DARE program. One could go into the affect of marijuana on students and the so-called addictive properties. You must realize that one of the big factors about drugs like marijuana is that it is something deemed a 'gateway' drug. It opens up the opportunity to pass onto other drugs, once realizing it may not have been exactly as bad as your educators have made it out to be. That does not mean everyone will enter this 'gateway,' but through programs like DARE, this is what they try to prevent. As for police in schools, I (as well as many other students I have discussed this with) believe having an actual police officer come into school was beneficial. Some suggested having a reformed addict or rehabilitated user come instead. This is a possibility, but would not a police officer - who sees the effects of misuse - be just as good? Also, the children become familiar with a particular officer and believe me - we did! I can remember being off topic and just talking to the officer and asking questions. Now, as said students grow older and possibly become associated with officers in a more negative way, their opinions will change. At least they will have started at it with a positive attitude that may be carried on throughout their lives. I conducted a survey of 10 students (due to time restrictions) and nine of the 10 students believed the program to be helpful while all 10 believed that having an officer come in was important. In any case, I say save the DARE program. If this topic is to be carried further, please consult those involved because I am confident that they will tell you that it is necessary. TYSON ATKINGS Nipawin - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath