Parents, Police and Schools Working Together

In the debate about the effectiveness of prevention education programs, is a forgotten group: PARENTS. Their views about the influence of programs like D.A.R.E. on their sons and daughters are essential to its success. The family is the most important environment in which young people learn about the dangers of drug use, and all prevention programs should reinforce what parents teach their children. Parents back up what the D.A.R.E. program teaches students, and in turn, the D.A.R.E. program reinforces what parents teach their children.

Part of the reason D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) works so well is because it is a collaborative effort between your police department, your schools, parents and community leaders. D.A.R.E. works because it surrounds children with support and encouragement from all sides.

D.A.R.E. teaches kids how to recognize and resist the direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. And since between 70% and 90% of all crime is drug related, it is absolutely vital that we reach our children before its too late. Drugs and Kids, it's a reality every parent must face head-on. You can't deny it. You can't ignore it. But as parents, you are your children's greatest resource.

Suggesting Alternatives

Parents know their children best and are therefore in the best position to suggest healthy alternatives to doing drugs. Sports, clubs, music lessons, community service projects, and after-school activities not only keep children and teens active and interested, but also bring them closer to parents who can attend games and performances.

These activities also provide children the opportunity to build positive friendships. Becoming part of various groups help children to "fit-in" which in turn helps build a stronger self-esteem. Children who feel good about themselves and feel like they belong are far less likely to get involved with drugs.

Getting Involved

· Learn about the current laws and policies at school, regarding alcohol and other drugs
· Familiarize yourself with how drug education is being taught
· Reinforce these issues at home by discussing your values and opinions. A great time for these discussions is when you see PSA's (public service announcements) on television or on billboards when you are driving in a car.
· Maintain family activities that allow time together keeping you involved