WHERE ARE THE PARENTS? A GOOD QUESTION

Where are the parents? It's a question that was raised by the articles the Southeast Missourian published concerning dress codes at area high schools.

Today's school dress codes deal not only with attire, but body piercing. As a fashion statement, teen-agers are putting diamond studs, gold hoops and safety pins in their eyebrows, belly buttons, noses and even tongues. And these trends are even seen in elementary schools in some cases.

Where does fashion cross the line of good taste? Schools and parents should work together to determine the boundaries and stick to them.

Dress code disputes are nothing new. Throughout the years, teen-agers have pushed the edge of the envelope in terms of attire.

But without parental cooperation, schools face an uphill battle. It's no wonder many private schools are embracing the notion of uniforms, even down to the shoes in some schools.

Where are the parents? It's a question that comes to mind when examining the increase in teen-age smoking. Despite the information glut about the health hazards of smoking, the number of teen-age smokers is on the rise. For the last five years, smoking rates increased for students in grades 8, 10 and 12.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 3,000 teen-agers smoke their first cigarette each day. About 22 percent of high-school seniors smoke daily. Most smokers started their habit in high school, according to the CDC. In other words, if kids remain smoke free in school, they're more likely to be a non-smoker for life.

Teen-agers receive mixed signals about smoking. Many of their parents smoke. And Hollywood and advertising still project a cool image when it comes to cigarettes.

Where are the parents? That question comes to mind when talking about teen-age drinking. For many teens, tobacco and alcohol are the first drugs used to escape stress or fit in with the crowd. Some parents may think both are harmless part of growing up.

Wrong. Both are highly addictive and can lead to death.

Alcohol is linked to 32,000 traffic crashes annually, and about 40 percent of all fatal accidents involve alcohol. Far too often, young people are the victims. What a waste of unlimited potential.

Where are the parents? It's a question that comes to mind in January when the police arrest dozens of young people loitering, littering and trespassing at businesses along Broadway near Central High School. Many of the teens use the time for smoking since cigarettes are no longer allowed on school property.

The students were warned dozens of times by school staff, the police officer assigned to the school, businesses and others. After their arrests, the youngsters were picked up by their parents. In some cases, that probably when parents discovered where their teen-agers were spending their early mornings.

Parents can make a significant different.

Moms and dads don't always think their teens are listening. Granted, it's sometimes hard to tell. But in survey after survey, teen-agers admit that parental values and advice can and do make a difference.

Where are the parents? In a functional family, they can be found supporting and watching over their children.