Parents Schooled on Drugs

There is an article in the Daily Journal about the two hour meeting held last night to educate us parents on what we don't know about drugs. I am amazed that only 100 parents turned out. The displays were worth seeing because the way the kids do this stuff and how they hide this stuff is not only ingenious but enlightening and scary.

As the drug agent said: "The glass bubble around this area won't be here forever".

- Written by Fiona

Comments

[Jim]

It sounds like the bubble has already burst.

[Seamus]

It sounds that part of the problem maybe the parents.

[Jenn]

I actually think for a school night, that isn't such a bad turnout; nearly every evening there is something school or sport related happening anyway and people are just plain tired. But these are probably many of the parents who are aware of their kids whereabouts and activites anyway. The parents who should be there, probably don't bother to show up.

[Patrick Jensen]

Nonsense. Most kids are not getting high off deodorant. Kids are using "conventional drugs" like marijuana or alcohol. Every school is going to have a few kids who sniff markers and eat glue but this article talks about "Axe" deodorant like it is the next crack. Kids are being stupid and dangerous and need to be educated about the severe effects of all of these drugs, but don't distort the problem. When you talk about these fringe uses it strokes the acceptability of use of alcohol and other "conventional drugs". It indicates to teens that if you are not going to raves or huffing your buddies armpit that you don't have a problem, when it is very possible that you do. I know it is important to recognize that all of these drugs are out there but it is also important to address the reality that conventional drugs pose severe physical and mental health risks.

[Ryan Hallerud]

I agree with Mr. Jensen. Drug and Alcohol education in schools is beyond lacking. In fact it's full of half-truths and garbage about Axe Deoderant and Afrin. The percentage of kids using that stuff is minimal. If the drug programs didn't equate marijuana with crack and heroin, kids wouldn't be so apt to try them. They lump in pot with ectasy, but forget about the reality of pot. Kids WILL be able to try pot without looking for it. When they realize that it, like alcohol, can be tolerated by their system with few negative side-effects, they will assume other "hard drugs" are like that as well, since that is what they have been taught. There in lies the danger. It's time that schools were honest with children and parents about these issues and substances. Because once they find out that you've misled them (and the schools have) they WILL NOT TRUST YOU. And why should they. You don't know what you're talking about.

[Fiona]

You are right. My daughter knows - and she is absolutely right - that I have no clue about what is going on with kids and drugs. I had absolutely no clue what happens at raves (yes even in Burlingame) and what happens to their bodies when they take ecstasy. There is nothing like a narcotics agent showing you what happens. Nothing. I am trying to get educated but there is alot to learn even if we think our kids are "good".

I don't know how many students there are in BHS and BIS but I think 100 parents is pathetic. I agree with Seamus. Something like a drug seminar is more important that any sports or band practice or a trip to the gym. Our school threatened the kids that if a parent did not attend the drug seminar there was no Xmas formal for them. Harsh ... yes but it got some of the parents to the meeting. The kids appreciate it when their parents take the time and effort to attend these meetings even if our kids would like to keep us in the dark about some of this stuff!

I commend the volunteers and high schools AND the parents for taking the time on such an important issue. We have alot to learn!

[Cathy Baylock]

I read all of your comments with interest. Jenn, you are right: the parents I saw last night are the same very involved parents I see at most events. The question is: how do you expand the outreach? My kids went to Washington and there was a weekly effort to reach our entire community with a bilingual newsletter. BIS doesn't have the same program. Also, in some cultures, drug use (or perhaps talking about it with one's kids) may be taboo. I thought Ryan's comment about telling kids that marijuana and ecstasy use being the same might have the unintended consequence of making them more comfortable trying a "harder" drug if marijuana experimentation does not appear dangerous. Rather than scaring them into not trying anything, it may produce the opposite effect. Something to really think about.

[Jim]

http://www.smdailyjournal.org/opinion_article.cfm?issue=11-20-04storyID=36842

See Margot's thoughts on teens and drugs in the Daily Journal. She is a senior at Menlo and a journalist for the newspaper.