Parents and students alike left with a better understanding of current drug and alcohol issues concerning teenagers, and parents were informed about the types of drugs available to teens. Parents also gained tips on how to communicate with their children about drugs and alcohol.

At the parent information session Richelle was joined by special guests, Goulburn based School Liaison Officer Senior Constable Annette Cassidy and CDAA Event and Harden Police officer Constable Geoff Goodluck, both of whom interacted with parents and spoke about the legal requirements of parents. The information session covered issues not only affecting young people in the Harden area, but young people everywhere, including the short and long term effects and risks associated with ‘binge drinking’.

Ms Arnott said alcohol is the most worrying drug with regard to young people, with marijuana close by at number two.

According to the 2004 Household Survey one in 10 teenagers binge drink.

The survey also revealed 29 per cent of teenagers abstain from alcohol, 61 per cent are drinking at a low risk, 6.6 per cent are drinking at risky levels and 3.4 per cent of teenagers are drinking at high risk levels.

“When a person takes a drug it doesn’t just affect that person, it affects the whole household and wider community,” Ms Arnott said.

“We as parents need to make sure our children understand the risks associated with trying drugs.” Ms Arnott said it is a shame that for every horror story you hear about young people drinking or taking drugs there is an even higher number of young people who are not drinking or taking drugs. “We need to recognise this and compliment the ones who are doing the right thing and not lose sight of the facts,” she said.

“It takes a community to raise a child,” she concluded.