The Estevan Police Service has announced it is once again presenting a drug safety and education program to Grade 6 students in the city.
According to an EPS press release, students will be presented with a copy of the 144-page handbook, Drug Safety, which is produced by Gateway Community Safety Net. The book is widely used to educate and increase awareness of substance abuse.
Along with educating the students, the books are also said to be a good resource for families as they help children learn strategies to resist peer pressure and provide parents with tips to keep their children drug free.
"It is important for children to understand the risk factors involved in experimenting with drugs," said Cst. Lana Gropp who is the EPS' student resource officer. "Many youth believe that nothing bad will happen to them. As many of us are very aware, it is not true."
The materials for the program have been provided thanks to the support of local businesses and organizations. This is the third time the EPS has run the program in Estevan.
A recent study revealed that drug use, particularly cocaine use, among youth has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Law enforcement groups and community organizations around the country are implementing youth education programs with an eye towards preventing drug abuse before it starts.
