Talk to the kids about drugs

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Talk to your kids about drugs presentation takes place Dec. 6.

Parents who believe they don't need to discuss drug issues with their children until high school should think again.

Even in elementary school, that discussion needs to take place, according to Doug Rogers, substance abuse prevention counsellor with School District 22.

Parents, grandparents and upper elementary students are welcome to a free presentation being held next week by Marvin Krank, a UBCO psychology professor, who has expertise in this field. Krank co-chaired the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse committee on prevention standards and recently served on the United Nations scientific advisory committee on prevention program evaluation.  

The 'Talking to your kids about drugs' presentation will outline some common, yet inaccurate, and risky misconceptions youth have about drugs and alcohol.

Krank will present evidence showing that these risky thoughts and beliefs can lead to substance abuse in the teenage years, and provide practical advice on how to interact with kids to help shape healthier beliefs that lead to reduced substance use risks.

“I know parents are afraid to have that conversation (but) this is something we need to frequently talk about,” said Rogers.

Rogers said there has been a heavy concentration on the dangers of fentanyl without taking into account the damage alcohol and cigarettes can do to a person once they starting using them.

He said vaping is not safe and “when kids start to vape, a lot of those kids move on to regular tobacco cigarettes.”

Rogers said many parents assume drugs are a high school issue but elementary school was “our teachable moment.”

The presentation takes place at Ellison Elementary School gym on Wednesday, Dec, 6th at 6:30 p.m.