Apr 5, 2009 5 min read

FREDERICKTOWN – Parents need to be more involved in their child’s life, according to drug educators from the Byrnes Health Education Center in York talking to parents at a recent evening at Bethlehem-Center High School. “Keep track of where they are, who they are hanging out with, even more importantly, what’s going on in your own home,” added Watson.

“Drugs 101: What Parents Need to Know” the theme for the evening, sought to educate parents about the signs, symptoms and current trends associated with drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers.

Watson said identifying drug paraphernalia is the most challenging part of being a parent, because products often are marketed as though they were designed for legitimate purposes.

There are dozens of ways for children to hide their drugs of choice. Teenagers can purchase products that are made to hide drugs out in the open. Some examples are brand name soda cans that look normal, but are actually built to hide drugs, highlighters that actually write yet the other end tip can hold a pipe for marijuana smoking and even lipsticks can be purchased and used in the same fashion.

For instance, marijuana pipes and bongs often carry a misleading disclaimer indicating that they are intended for tobacco use only. In reality they are not. Appearance of drug paraphernalia varies depending upon the manufacturer and intended purpose. Increasingly, bongs, pipes, and other paraphernalia are manufactured in bright, trendy colors and bear designs such as skulls, devils, dragons and wizards to make their products attractive to teenagers and young adults.

Drug paraphernalia can be obtained through various means. Many large manufacturers market their products over the Internet and through mail-order businesses.

“If you happen to notice your child is receiving more than the normal amount of packages in the mail, that should throw up a red flag,” adds Noel.

Have you ever heard your teenager reference the time “4:20?” Many parents have no idea that 420 is a “secret code” for a time to get high. The reference to 420 presumably dates back to 1970s stoner

lingo, but is still widely used by the youth of today.

“The majority of pot smokers have even designated April 20 as National Pot Smokers Day,” said Watson. “If you hear your teenager reference 420, see if he is using the term while instant messaging with friends or has a 420 sticker on his car or backpack, call him on it. Let him know you know what he’s talking about and set up a time for a longer conversation about your family’s no tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use.”

“Your kids might not like you keeping tabs on where they are and what they’re doing,” said Watson. “Parenting isn’t a democracy, and it shouldn’t be. Remember it’s not pestering, it’s parenting.”

Watson and Noel informed parents that children as young as nine years old are experimenting with drugs and parents are the first means of combat.

“We all need to become smart and knowledgeable about drugs, it’s an ever changing scene,” Watson said.

“The children of today are way more sophisticated than past generations. It makes it harder for parents find the hidden drugs,” Noel added.

“Any moment can be a teachable moment,” assured Watson. “When you decide to use a moment to teach your teen something about drugs, it doesn’t have to be a long, serious talk – just a few words can do. And it’s not a talk you have to have only once. Have it regularly.”

Some tips suggested by Watson and Noel are: Don’t be afraid to ask where your kids are going, who they’ll be with and what they’ll be doing. Get to know your kid’s friends – and their parents – so you’re familiar with their activities. Know your kids’ favorite music group? Should they be listening to them? What’s new at school? Create rules – and discuss in advance the consequences of breaking them. Make your expectations clear. Don’t make empty threats or let the rule-breaker off the hook. Don’t impose harsh or unexpected new punishments. Role play with your child and practice ways to refuse drugs and alcohol in different situations. Acknowledge how tough these moments can be.

Mike and Robin Ross who have two children in the district both agreed that the most shocking of the presentation was how teenagers can easily hide drugs and paraphernalia. “This program made us think,” Mike Ross said. “I do know we will be listening a lot more to what our children tell us or are talking about to their friends on the phone.”

Dr. Richard Martin, high school principal at Bethlehem-Center High School, assured parents that twice a year he schedules drug and alcohol education programs, that is separate

from what is taught in the student’s normal health classes.

In closing of the program, both Watson an Noel left the audience with a final thought, for parents to talk to their children and remind them to “Be Smart, Don’t Start.”