Educated Parents Help Curb Children Drug Use

I was glad to see The Times editorial (March 2), “Educating Parents About Drugs.” By training its parents, Los Angeles is investing its time and resources in a worthwhile effort to eradicate drug use by children.

Plato said that the primary responsibility of adults is the care and nurture of their young. The shouldering of this responsibility by the Los Angeles community is praiseworthy.

Parents can make a difference. They have at Northside High School in Atlanta; in the Winchester City and Frederick County school systems in Virginia; and in the Deerfield, Ill., school system.

In many of these communities parents have joined together, educated themselves, established networks, set curfews, chaperoned parties, and even lobbied for tougher anti-drug and anti-paraphernalia laws.

With clear school policies that are enforced and community support for their efforts, educated parents can do much to continue the recent decline of children’s drug use.

To assist parents, schools and communities in their efforts, the Department of Education is distributing free its guide to stopping student drug use. “Schools Without Drugs” is available by calling toll-free 1-800-624-0100.

WILLIAM J. BENNETT

Secretary of Education

Washington