Studies show that Black children are less likely to get involved with drugs than white children are because in a strange twist of social privilege, white children have more access to different kinds of drugs and drug venues than Black children do.

Contrary to popular social stereotypes, the "ghetto" is not as drug-ridden as the suburbs. New and different drugs surface in suburban areas more often than inner cities and children of any race have more access to those drugs.

Once they enter middle school, their chances of becoming involved with drugs increase, regardless of race. Because your children may now see older students using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and may think they are cool and self-assured; your children may be tempted to try drugs too.

Drug use goes up dramatically in the first year of middle school or junior high. And if you are a parent to one of these children, here are some tips that can help keep your child drug free.

To help your children make good choices during this critical phase, you should:

• NOT do drugs yourself;
• Make sure they are well-versed in the reasons to avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs;
• Get to know their friends by taking them to and from school activities, games, the library and movies (while being understanding to their need to feel independent);
• Volunteer for activities where you can observe your child at school; and
• Get acquainted with the parents of your children's friends and learn about their children's interests and habits. If it seems that your child is attracted to those with bad habits, reiterate why drug use is unacceptable.

To make sure that your child's life is structured in such a way that drugs have no place in it, you should:

• If possible, arrange to have your children looked after and engaged in the after-school hours if you cannot be with them. Encourage them to get involved with reputable youth groups, arts, music, sports, community service and academic clubs, or try changing your work hours to be there when they need you.
• Make sure children who are unattended for periods during the day feel your presence. Give them a schedule and set limits on their behavior. Give them household chores to accomplish. Enforce a strict phone-in-to-you policy. Leave notes for them around the house. Provide easy-to-find snacks.
• Get to know the parents of your child's friends. Exchange phone numbers and addresses. Agree to forbid each other's children from consuming alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in their homes, and pledge that you will inform each other if one of you becomes aware of a child who violates this pact.
• Call parents whose home is to be used for a party. Make sure they can assure you that no alcoholic beverages or illegal substances will be dispensed. Do not be afraid to check out the party yourself to see that adult supervision is in place.
• Make it easy for your child to leave a place where substances are being used. Discuss with your child in advance how to contact you or another designated adult in order to get a ride home. If another adult provides the transportation, be available to talk to your child about the situation when he or she arrives home.
• Set curfews and enforce them. Weekend curfews might range from 9 p.m. for a fifth-grader to 11 pm. for a senior in high school.
• Encourage open dialogue with your children about their experiences. Tell your child, "I love you and trust you, but I don't trust the world around you, and I need to know what's going on in your life."

The most important of these is to reiterate the effects drugs can have on their bodies, mind, and relationships. Children should know the real deal when it comes to drugs, that drugs can totally destroy their future chances for decent relationships, career choices, and life security.

© 2004 By CR Hamilton