Editorial Note: (to be continued) The following interview with a Christian High School principal appeared in a recent issue of a Christian Reformed Church parish paper. We think that it is definitely worth re-publishing! The problem discussed is not imaginary or over-exaggerated. And the discussion is of a very high quality. We have asked Rev. John H. Piersma, one of our regular contributors, to add a footnote to this interview. We have tried to make it very difficult if not impossible to identify the school or the principal, for obvious reasons.)
This recent interview with Mr. _______ , principal of _______ Christian High School, was conducted for the purpose of educating and informing adults concerning the problem of drug and alcohol abuse among today’s teenagers, especially those students entrusted to the care of our Christian homes. It is our prayer that this information will stimulate communication between parents and children.
Editor: Does a drug and alcohol problem exist at _______ ? What percentage?
Principal: A problem does very definitely exist. The percentage of drug users or experimenters is difficult to guess, probably 30% of all students have
Editor: Does a drug and alcohol problem exist at _______ ? What percentage?
Principal: A problem does very definitely exist. The percentage of drug users or experimenters is difficult to guess, probably 30% of all students have tried marijuana.
Alcohol is a bigger problem because it’s more acceptable to parents. I’d guess 50–60% of all students, including girls, have tried alcohol. I define a drug and alcohol problem as those who use the substances at least once a week. The students are not always the problem, just the use in itself is the problem.
Editor: What kind of drugs are most widely used? Principal: Marijuana is the most popular drug. There is also use of angel dust, a substance mixed with a liquid and then drunk. I’m not aware of any LSD or heroin being used.
Editor: Are drugs easily obtainable? Where?
Principal: Most students say they can get $20 worth of marijuana in half an hour. This isn’t true for adults because they’re suspected of being “narcs.” “Indian Woods” and roving teen-age hangouts like fast food. drive-ins and bowling alleys are the easiest places to establish contacts.
Editor: How do you spot drug users at ?
Principal: There are several indications of drug use: a drastic drop in grades, hanging around town at night instead of doing homework, dropping out of student activities and developing difficulties with parents. We make every effort to control cigarette smoking in the parking lot. Although the smell of marijuana is easily detectable, it is often hard to prove who’s responsible.
Editor: How do you deal with drug users/pushers at _______ ?
Principal: The official school policy is ‘student possession and/or use of illegal drugs results in suspension from school until student, parents and administrator can meet.’ After the initial meeting, the Education Committee has in every case suspended that student for the rest of the quarter with no credit.
Pushers have been expelled (permanent). A meeting with parents and local police department is arranged.
The above only applies to students who carry on these activities at school.
Editor: Why, in your opinion, is the use of alcohol so prevalent among teenagers?
Principal: Several reasons – 1) The media has mad.e alcohol the “In-thing.” It’s chic. 2) Parents do it, so why not? 3) Peer pressure has great effect. 4) It’s an almost acceptable thing to do in our society.
Editor: Do you think the lower age limit (18) is related to teenage alcohol abuse?
Principal: I am personally in favor of a 21 age limit for buying alcohol. The chance of 16 and 17 year olds buying liquor is then greatly reduced. It is a proven fact that automobile accidents involving teenagers have increased since the lower age limit.
Editor: With whom lies the greater responsibility? School or parents? What is the role of the church?
Principal: From my point of view, I would. say the parents. The child is God’s gift to the parents. The school is an educational institution to assist the parents in the training of the child. The parents are responsible for the stud.ent at night, the school is not.
Parents first cause certain attitudes in the student, respect of law, respect for parents, and respect for the body. The school reinforces these attitudes. The church’s responsibility is to constantly reinforce the relationship of the stud.ent with Christ and how that relationship works out in life. It is very difficult to confess Christ while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Actually, it’s impossible. A personal opinion here. If a student from _____ gets caught using marijuana or alcohol, it would be just as fitting to say that a member from some CRC got nailed. The school has no more to do with it than the church. It again comes down to an attitude problem. Kids who are into the marijuana or alcohol scene usually have a poor self-image from which this bad attitude develops.
Editor: What advice do you have for parents?
Principal:
1) Sit down and talk to your child. Don’t beat them up or throw them out. Ask why it happened.
2) Get more involved with the student. Show interest in his projects or school activities. This will · enhance his self-esteem.
3) Check your kids – Where? With whom? What kind of activity? Invite your child’s friends over.
4) If your teenager has a party – BE THERE! It’s the greatest deterrent to illegal activities.
If the parents aren‘t there, the peer pressure becomes extremely great on all the kids to join in and be “with-it.” Don‘t leave your teenagers alone while on vacations or get-away weekends because you’re inviting trouble.
One more thing – If parents are aware of unsupervised parties, it is your responsibility out of Christian love and discipline to inform the other party. Not to get involved. is an admission that you don’t care the problem exists. Lack of involvement is an endorsement to continue that kind of behavior.
Editor: How do parents react when they find out that their child is involved in a drug or alcohol problem?
Principal: Parents are generally the last to be aware of the problem. When they do find out, they are first shocked, then angry, then embarrassed for themselves, and. then, they have an important decision to make. They must ask themselves, “Does love include discipline?” Their actions must be based on the answer to that. Sadly enough, some parents opt for no discipline at all.
Final comments: This school is concerned with the whole drug problem. We attempt to discuss the problem in chapel, freshman science, family living class, etc. Why don’t you parents do the same thing? Ask your student if they’ve ever experimented. with drugs or alcohol. You don’t solve the problem by hiding it. It’s there! You must remember you’re dealing with young students in today’s society and pressures. We must pay much more attention to the influence of the media over a long period of time.
One more thing – we have many students involved in worthwhile activities. We always hear about the “bad stuff” – let’s remember to stress and work on the positives as well.
Footnote:
1. It is obvious that the school and principal in question are doing all in their power to resist and eliminate this dangerous and. sinful practise! I think that we ought also to be sure to realize that it is very difficult to detect and. to apprehend. students involved in drug abuse. One of the very serious reasons is, as suggested in this interview, the existence of an unbelievably strong “peer pressure” among our Christian young people, as well as the adoption of an impenetrable code of silence. It has apparently become very dangerous socially and even physically for students in today’s high schools to report transgressions of this sort. In my judgment, this is really a wicked concession to a non-Christian lifestyle! At West Point cadets are honor-bound. to report any infraction of the Academy’s code. It would seem that a similar appreciation for the integrity of the army of the Living God. would demand of us the kind of responsibility for each other which will help every one in the battle against sin and Satan.
2. I believe that the principal’s emphasis upon the primary and indispensable task of the parent in this day of moral crisis is right. Neither he, nor I, would. I’m sure, care to join those who blame everything upon parents. It is really alarming, however, to find parents who do not know what their children are doing, who are governed. by the attitudes and laxities of others in their determination of parental guidance and regulation, and, in some case, who demonstrate very little real concern in the whole situation! Winter vacations, week-ends away,* etc. are very pleasant, of course. I have seen too many instances, however, in which these are enjoyed without the kind of concern for the welfare of children which we as Christians ought to be willing to demonstrate – even if it means that we give up the trip!
3. Much might be said about “the drug culture” and about the meaning of drug abuse. I like the things that have been said by people like Francis Schaeffer and. Jay Adams. The OUTLOOK ought to devote space to a Christian and biblical understanding of this evil development! It seems to me that the problem does indeed “sneak up on our parents” – as indicated above by the principal. We are often a very fortunate and very busy people, deeply involved in our work, our churches and schools, our friendships, and it is very hard for us to believe that the influences of this modern and very wicked world are as prevalent as they might be for our youth! The advice in this interview is good: be knowledgeable and be concerned!
4. Today’s young people are not inferior morally or intellectually or spiritually to any other generation. In fact, in many ways they often demonstrate superiority, due in part to improved educational and cultural opportunities. Their athletic teams play better, their student choirs sing better, their social poise is often very evident, and their ability to make their way in society is amazing. This is not to say that their age does not have special and very pressing problems! May we list a few?
a. They reveal at times a loss of direction and purpose. This is not difficult to explain in a society which is God–less, materialistic, sensuous. Their age is avowedly irreligious, which means that one has really only two options for worship (and worship we and they must!): self and sex. To that age we of the older generations have often revealed more indulgence than resistance. How obvious is our need to hear the Word as it urges, “Seek ye first the Kingdom . . . .”
b. They evidence the results of overindulgence in good things. As a Christian teacher recently wrote, How do you interest children in school work when they have just returned from a trip on dad‘s 45 foot yacht? Even our so-called poorer families often place at their children‘s disposal things once regarded as totally outside the realm of possibility. There is much boredom and a kind of malaise which leads to trouble. It seems as if there is little realization of the truth that life is a calling from God, and that its patterns, goals, standards must be set by Him and learned from His Word. Our Christian cultural insight and practise must catch up with our financial and social success, or our children will be the victims.
c. The school here discussed is NOT located in Northwest Iowa. Let me say, however, that even in our smaller and rural communities this problem is present.
d. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE!
*Not a blanket approval! J.H.P.