LEGISLATIVE REPORT: YOUNG AMERICANS: CHANGING, ATTITUDES AND INFORMED DECISIONS

Abraham Lincoln. our nation's 16th President- once made an astute observation about our children. "A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started." Lincoln said. "He is going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend to those things you think are important. You may adopt all of the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on him. He will assume control of your cities, states and nations. He is going to move in and take over your churches, synagogues, schools, universities and corporations. The fate of humanity is in his hands."

As w~e look towards the future of America, one of the most disturbing trends of the 1990s has been the increase in illegal drug use by our nation's youth. In 1991 about one out of 17 eighth graders used illicit drugs. By 1996, eighth graders drug use nearly doubled to about one out of seven students. Drug use among 11th or l2th graders doubled from about one out of seven students to nearly one out of four.

In the State of Missouri. nearly one out of six teens have used illegal drugs at some point in their lives.

Much of this disturbing trend can be attributed to an erosion in youth disapproval of drug abuse and in their perception of the risks associated with drug abuse. And despite the alarming number of Americans using drugs today, the fact remains that most teens do not use drugs. Unfortunately, there seems to be a false perception among many. children that using drugs is a "normal" activity.

Like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, as a nation, in our schools and communities, in our churches and our families, we all must work together to change young Americans' attitudes and beliefs towards drugs. Congress appropriated $195 million for an advertising campaign to teach young people about the dangers of illegal drugs. and the media matched this amount through donated advertisement time. public service announcements and other contributions. These public service announcements combined with paid advertising spots can help change youth attitudes. But this campaign will only, work if it is matched by other initiatives at home. in local schools and in communities.

While the coordination of anti-drug policies. programs and resources can come from Washington. truly effective social policy is ultimately achieved at the local level. Because families, schools. health professions, religious organizations. boys and girls clubs. coaches and other youth leaders. local law enforcement. and a ~~ wide range of community coalitions have the greatest impact on American youngsters. These are all key pieces to reducing use. By placing uniformed police officers or School Resource Officers - in the hallways, participating in the officer-led D. A. R. E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. and institutional drug testing policies. local public school districts are taking steps to send a clear message that they are committed to do their part in eliminating drug use.

As helpful as these school programs can be, there is a lot of drug activity that occurs away from school. Therefore, the biggest puzzle pieces are still moms and dads and their ability to teach their children right from ~wrong. Children must learn good decision making skills and that high standards are the norm, not the exception. And we need to provide our children with positive opportunities and a strong sense of self-acceptance and confidence necessary to make the right choices.

On a positive note, our efforts to date to educate our children about the dangers of illegal drug use are starting to pay off. American teens' attitudes towards drugs began to re~verse in 1997, and last vear. drug use by young Americans remained flat and even began to decline in some areas. Hopefully, this is a sign that the rising drug use trends of the 1990s are coming to an end. While we are on the verge of the dawn of a real turn around in our nation's youth drug situation, we cannot give up the fight. Catching this ray of change - w~hen our children's attitudes start to reflect the risks and stigma associated with illegal drug use - is key to reinforcing a positive trend. It is key to helping young generations of Americans make informed decisions that ~will secure a healthier and brighter future for themselves. for our nation. and for the fate of humanity.

*For additional information or questions on the campaign against illegal drues, contact the National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug information at 1-800-729-6686 or at w~~ww.health.org