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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom