MONROE - Educational programs may help teens stay away from drugs, but parents still have the biggest impact on a child's life, local law enforcement officials say.
Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley and Green County Sheriff Randy Roderick said some parents leave it up to the police or schools to keep their children away from drugs.
That's the wrong approach, Kelley said: Parents need to realize the influence they have on their child's life.
Some programs, such as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly known as DARE, have been in elementary schools for several years. The mission of the program, according to is website, dare.com, is to "equip kids with the tools that will enable them to avoid negative influences and allow them to focus on their strengths and potential."
Kelley said he's had people tell him the DARE program helped keep them away from drugs. And, he said, parents have told him the program has helped their children stay away from drugs.
"The way I look at it is that if it helps one kid stay away from drugs, it's a success," he said.
Other national programs, such as the "Just Say No" program in the 1980s, have been widely publicized and have also tried to help prevent kids from using drugs.
While such programs may help, Kelley and Roderick said, parents need to take the lead in telling their children about the dangers of illegal drugs and why they shouldn't try drugs.
Parents should do whatever is necessary to keep their kids away from drugs, Roderick said.
That includes not worrying about invading their child's privacy if they suspect their child is using drugs.
"Parents need to know what to look for if they suspect their child is using drugs," Kelley said.
Signs to look for include changes in their child's behavior. Parents should look to see if their child has blood-shot eyes. They should also be on the watch to see if their child is sleeping a lot; is staying in his or her room more than usual; or is having mood swings.
Kelley said parents should look through the trash and not hesitate to look through their children's rooms.
"It comes down to how important their kid's life is to them," he said. "If they watch their kids enough, they'll be able to see signs (of drug use)."
Kelley said parents should also know their children's friends and where their children are going.
Roderick agreed that parents are an important line of defense against drug use. He said they should be vigilant in keeping their children away from drugs, even if it means making their children upset.
"There's no right of privacy for a child's room," Roderick said.
Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley and Green County Sheriff Randy Roderick said some parents leave it up to the police or schools to keep their children away from drugs.
That's the wrong approach, Kelley said: Parents need to realize the influence they have on their child's life.
Some programs, such as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly known as DARE, have been in elementary schools for several years. The mission of the program, according to is website, dare.com, is to "equip kids with the tools that will enable them to avoid negative influences and allow them to focus on their strengths and potential."
Kelley said he's had people tell him the DARE program helped keep them away from drugs. And, he said, parents have told him the program has helped their children stay away from drugs.
"The way I look at it is that if it helps one kid stay away from drugs, it's a success," he said.
Other national programs, such as the "Just Say No" program in the 1980s, have been widely publicized and have also tried to help prevent kids from using drugs.
While such programs may help, Kelley and Roderick said, parents need to take the lead in telling their children about the dangers of illegal drugs and why they shouldn't try drugs.
Parents should do whatever is necessary to keep their kids away from drugs, Roderick said.
That includes not worrying about invading their child's privacy if they suspect their child is using drugs.
"Parents need to know what to look for if they suspect their child is using drugs," Kelley said.
Signs to look for include changes in their child's behavior. Parents should look to see if their child has blood-shot eyes. They should also be on the watch to see if their child is sleeping a lot; is staying in his or her room more than usual; or is having mood swings.
Kelley said parents should look through the trash and not hesitate to look through their children's rooms.
"It comes down to how important their kid's life is to them," he said. "If they watch their kids enough, they'll be able to see signs (of drug use)."
Kelley said parents should also know their children's friends and where their children are going.
Roderick agreed that parents are an important line of defense against drug use. He said they should be vigilant in keeping their children away from drugs, even if it means making their children upset.
"There's no right of privacy for a child's room," Roderick said.