Pubdate: Tue, 26 Jun 2007
Source: Bahama Journal, The (Bahamas)
Copyright: 2007sJones Communications Ltd.
Contact: http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=136
Website: http://www.jonesbahamas.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4387
Author: Quincy Parker

BAHAMAS OBSERVING ANTI-DRUG DAY

June 26 is celebrated by the United Nations as International Day 
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and the Bahamas National 
Drug Council has taken up the call for a life without drugs.

The council is distributing a quartet of "living without drugs" 
pamphlets for teachers, parents, teenagers and schools. The pamphlets 
were designed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

"Teachers can be role models for students and dissuade them from 
abusing drugs. This is all the more important if young people do not 
have supportive families to guide them," the United Nation pamphlet urged.

"Substance abuse is basically a mechanism to cope with or escape from 
feelings of insecurity. Help students realize that they are not alone 
in facing these challenges and that there are a variety of healthy 
ways of confronting them."

The teachers' pamphlet also seeks to arm teachers with specific ideas 
and concepts to inculcate into their charges, including 
self-protection, self-confidence and esteem.

"It takes confidence to say no to drugs. Teachers can help build a 
child's self-esteem and strengthen inter-personal skills," the UN 
said. "Instill confidence by encouraging children to accept 
themselves. Above all, teach young people refusal skills by letting 
them know that it is fine to say no."

Teachers are also encouraged to teach children to express their 
creativity, and lists warning signs that might signify that a child 
is abusing drugs.

Among these signs are sudden mood swings, anger for no reason, loss 
of interest in school or extra-curricular activities, truancy and 
short attention spans.

Teachers are also warned to look for physical signs including red 
eyes, tendency to fall asleep in class, slurred speech, 
forgetfulness, neglect of personal hygiene and general appearance and 
trembling or uncoordinated movements.

The teachers' pamphlet also contains curriculum suggestions.

The pamphlet designed for parents stresses communication, modeling a 
refusal to abuse medication or illegal drugs, being informed and 
making children feel responsible, among other things.

"Show (children) you care and that you are interested in what they 
do," the UN urged parents. "Talk with your children, not at them, and 
keep the lines of communication open. Pay attention to what they are saying.

"Be alert. Pay attention to body language. A relaxed child smiles, 
will meet your eyes when talking to you and does not show obvious 
signs of nervousness Talk to the school guidance officer if you sense 
there is a problem."

Parents are also encouraged to be informed, to know which drugs and 
their derivatives are illegal, as well as what the dangers are of 
drugs and what they do to people.

Among the emotional and social signs parents might catch that would 
tip them off to their child's possible drug use are moodiness, 
hostility, depression, constant lying and stealing, refusing to admit 
the harmful effects of drugs, secretive phone calls, having friends 
they do not want parents to meet, being evasive about their 
whereabouts and truancy.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime is also circulating pamphlets 
detailing what teenagers should know about drugs and answering other 
questions children might have about drugs.
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