Pubdate: Tue, 02 Nov 1999
Source: Associated Press
Copyright: 1999 Associated Press
Note: Additional information can also be found at:
http://www.mediacampaign.org/
Cited: http://www.theantidrug.com/
Related: Partnership for Drug-policy Facts and Alternatives:
http://www.pdfa.net/

WHITE HOUSE DRUG CZAR ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE

Barry R. McCaffrey, director of the White House Office of National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) introduced a new Web site devoted exclusively to
parents who want to learn how to communicate with their kids about illicit
drugs.

This new Web site: http://www.theantidrug.com expands upon ONDCP's National
Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's new advertising themes that focus on love,
trust, honesty and communication. Theantidrug.com highlights the four key
themes with front screen icons and flash animation. Clicking on an icon
gives parents the opportunity to study topics such as ''how do you answer
the question 'did you ever do drugs?''' or ''how to build an ongoing
dialogue with kids about difficult subjects.''

Response information is linked to eleven key parenting tips featured on the
site, including how to:

- -- Make clear and consistent family rules

- -- Make your position (on dangerous substances) clear

- -- Praise and reward positive behavior

- -- Help your child deal with peer pressure

- -- Be a good role model

''Parents today face many challenges when raising children,'' Director
McCaffrey said. ''ONDCP has worked with behavioral science experts to
develop tips and suggestions to help guide parents in the best ways to help
their child maintain a healthy lifestyle free of dangerous substances like
drugs, alcohol and tobacco.''

''This new Web site is part of a multifaceted communications effort which
brings together scientific fact in a form parents can understand and easily
use.

Theantidrug.com is one place where parents can go to get preventative
information at home or at work -- right there on their desktop,'' said
McCaffrey.

The site also allows parents to download or order a brochure in English or
Spanish called, ''Parenting Skills: 21 Tips & Ideas to Help You Make a
Difference.''

A companion Spanish language web site will be introduced later this year.
Other facets of theantidrug communications campaign can be found in more
than 140 media markets nationwide in magazine, newspaper and outdoor ads.

In 1997, with bipartisan support of the Congress and the President, ONDCP
created the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, an effort designed to
educate and empower all youth to reject illicit drugs.

The Campaign relies on ads developed by the Partnership for a Drug Free
America. In less than two years, the Campaign's messages have become
ubiquitous in the lives of America's youth and their parents.

From network television advertisements to school-based educational
materials, from youth basketball backboards to Internet Web sites, and from
cultural community festivals to sitcom story lines, the Campaign's messages
reach Americans wherever they are -- at work, at play, at school and at home. 

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