Turning a blind eye not the solution

After a sobering presentation this past week on drugs in Airdrie schools, we’re pleased to see RCMP taking active and visible steps in curbing drug use among teenagers.

Const. Dave Henry opened parents’ eyes as to the types of drugs that are being found in schools. The range is broad: From marijuana to ecstasy and MDMA to crack and cocaine.

Some kids have been so brazen as to carry bongs around in school, do drugs in public places and generally have a disregard for authority.

What’s more disturbing is that some parents are using drugs making it more acceptable for their children and their friends. While it’s a shame that a small percentage of kids are slipping through the cracks, the majority of teenagers in the county are good and sensible.

Many are involved in community and church groups, sports organizations and thriving after-school programs.

We’re pleased to see the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie add new programming in both Beiseker and Crossfield in the near future. It’s organizations like the Boys and Girls Club that help foster positive growth in our youth.

When it comes to drug use, vilifying those teens who do is not a very constructive solution. Neither is turning a blind eye to the problem.

The best approach, for a family and for society, is to face up to the problem, discuss the root causes, educate the children and ourselves about the potential dangers, and provide them with an engaging alternative.

Remember - they’re just kids. You were a kid once too.