NCJ Number
121262
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-September 1989) Pages: 254-256
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
It is argued that the family and the community have the responsibility for policing their children's alcohol and drug abuse.
Abstract
From the schoolmaster's view, not only is it the job of parents and community, but they can do it more effectively than the police. but the breakdown of the traditional family has resulted in that most successful persuaders are rehabilitated members of the youngsters' peer groups. Any government program must be directed at creating a climate of opinion that substance abuse is socially unacceptable and can add to the risk of spread of AIDS. The author cites his own reduction of smoking as evidence of the powerful effect of public opinion. In addition, the media can shape public opinion. Only the combined efforts of the media, parents, teachers, and social workers will convince young people that alcohol and drug abuse as socially unacceptable as smoking has become.