Parents attending a DARE graduation ceremony at Donald C. Jamieson Academy in Burin last week received a reminder from police.
The message was that they, too, must be extra vigilant in the effort to protect their children against the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Students from Anita Piercey's and Margaret Ann Cleal's two Grade 6 classes were rewarded June 14 for the successful completion of the DARE - 'Drug Abuse Resistance Education' - program, instructed by Cst. Mike Martel of the RCMP's Burin Customs and Excise Section, with certificates and a party at the school.
In addressing the group, Cpl. Geoff Greene, also of the Burin Customs and Excise Section and a former DARE officer at the school, suggested parents need only take a walk through a nearby area known as 'The Pit', frequented by students at neighbouring Pearce Junior High during breaks, and take a look around the grounds to see what's going on.
"It'll be a big eye opener for some of you."
According to Cpl. Greene, some youth are experimenting with prescription drugs they find at home, searching medicine cabinets for pills, researching their effects on the Internet and popping them at school.
"There are kids that wound up, since Christmas, in the hospital here in Burin pumped out because of these pills."
The RCMP is working with Burin Pharmacy on an initiative to allow residents to turn in any unused prescription drugs they do not need this week.
Cpl. Greene acknowledged the party drug 'Ecstasy', which also comes in pill form and often looks like candy, is a big concern as well. He indicated there are a few dealers in the area with the ability to make their own tablets.
"You don't know what's in that pill. It could be Percocets, It could be OxyContin. It could be Crystal Meth. They're selling these pills to young people like you guys, and a lot of kids are being forced to try to take them as a dare."
Sgt. Wayne Edgecombe, Operations NCO with the Burin Peninsula District RCMP, suggested drug and alcohol use among minors seems to be getting worse.
He said one of the major issues of late has been with parents throwing parties, and some reports even of supplying liquor for their underage children - who in many cases are still several years away from reaching the legal drinking age.
He indicated there have been at least 10 such instances of these parties in the area this year.
Sgt. Edgecombe said parents have to be more aware of the bad things that can happen to young, inexperienced drinkers and should counsel them accordingly instead of condoning underage drinking, as many seem to do.
Donald C. Jamieson principal Bert Squires told the graduating students he was proud of the effort they put forth.
"We consider the DARE program, and all the issues surrounding drugs and other things in this area, to be of the utmost importance."
