Kinda contradictory there, Darkfire ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkFire
But, I think I get your point.
I agree absolutely with your last point though, Darkfire - schools do NOT seem to discuss drug use and effect, which is a real problem.
I am a father of 2 children, both are still very young, and one of my biggest worries is that they will 'learn' about drugs from some unscrupulous character who is only interested in immediate profit - I hope that I am laying the foundations that will enable my kids to be able to approach me with any such questions.
I agree also, that a place such as this offers a balanced argument for and against certain drug use - whether that be through research, or indeed experience - a wholly good thing, I think. Just because I don't agree with the use of certain things, or that I worry that some kids seem to want to get high just for the sake of getting high (and in so doing, place themselves in great danger), doesn't mean that it aint gonna happen. I think I'd rather learn about their experiences to gain a better insight into stuff that I don't have any prior knowledge about.
It's a shame that the education system doesn't seem to share this philosophy, because as we all know, death is usually the result of ignorance.
I've spoken to a fair few people on this site - of all ages - and found the vast majority to be well informed, regardless of their age. I am of the dispostion that I'd rather be aware of what my kids were up to, rather than have some cop knock on my door one day and tell me something terrible - something that I know alot of parents have happen to them, just because they choose to stick their heads in the sand.
I would hope that my kids would have the courage and respect to ask me, but failing that, I think I would be glad to know that they came to a place like this and asked questions - as long as they listened to the 'advice' or guidance given.
If a minor came on here and started to act irresponsibly (use of certain language and attitudes), then I think it is as much our responsibility to try and change that person's attitude towards a more responsible and respectful one, rather than belittle them and run the risk of turning them away from what is essentially a well informed and educated bunch of people.
After all, if they can't rely on us to give them an unbiased and informative response to their questions, then who can they turn to?
Good debate, folks :)