Peer pressure can weigh heavy on the shoulders of today's youth, and making right choices involving drugs and alcohol can be difficult.
But for graduates of the DARE program, making the right choice is something they have learned, and that choice is knowing when to say no.
This year, more than 300 Grade 6 Squamish students have gone through the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. They are taught by specially-trained RCMP officers on the many risks and consequences of becoming involved with tobacco, drugs and alcohol, and are taught to weigh the positive and negative consequences of their actions.
"The main goal of the program is to make students aware of the potential dangers of substances, " said DARE program coordinator and RCMP Const. Roshan Pinto. "We encourage them to make positive choices by considering the consequences to their actions."
But the program isn't just about drugs and alcohol. Pinto and the two other certified DARE officers engage the students in different scenarios, skits and role-playing to boost self-esteem, and to become aware of different ways to reduce violence and how to handle peer pressure.
"When you stop focusing on just the drugs and alcohol and start focusing on making positive life choices it starts to change a student."
In order to graduate from the program, students must remain drug- and alcohol-free, and must steer clear from any violence and illegal activity throughout the duration of the course. They are also required to write a personal essay on why they want to remain drug-free or how drugs and alcohol have affected their lives.
"Some of the essays are really incredible - they bring a tear to your eye," said Pinto.
The DARE program is currently in its seventh year in Squamish, and parents and schools have raved about the results. They appreciate the awareness created in the students, and also like the fact that their students and children can establish a friendly rapport with RCMP officers in the community.
"A large part of the effectiveness of the program is the role that the DARE officer plays," said Squamish Elementary principal Nick Pascuzzi. "The kids get to develop a positive rapport at a young age with officers of the RCMP. Our kids already have respect for the officers but this program gives them a chance to develop a personal relationship."
Brackendale Elementary principal Ian Kent agrees. "It brings RCMP officers into the school. By the time the kids get into high school they've built a solid relationship with the DARE officers," said Kent. "It's more than just saying no to drugs. It's well worth the time and it sends a great message to our students."
Although the DARE program is geared towards elementary students, the program teaches students to deal with drug and alcohol situations as they mature into junior high and high school, where peer pressure becomes elevated.
"DARE is very effective in preparing students for their high school years," said Don Ross Secondary principal Rick Smith. "It's had some great impact on kids coming into high school - they've learned that it okay to say no."
