Pro-active programs help reduce youth problems

Published on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 3:35 PM MDT

It is great news that this state’s unique Montana Meth Project is successful. Figures released last week show that the project is making a huge difference in Montana.

The 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which was done nationally by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reveals that 3.1 percent of Montana students in grades eight, 10 and 12 have used meth at least once.

Although the figure is still too high, the amount is a decrease from 4.6 percent in 2007, 8.3 percent in 2005 and 13.5 percent in 1999.

From the results, we can clearly see such programs can make a difference. Doomsayers criticize such pro-actice projects like this one as well as alcohol prevention or sexual abstinence programs. They believe it's a waste of money while just the opposite is the truth.

Such projects are very important to help lead our children on the right path. Also important is offering positive options, such as the skatepark that opens Wednesday, for the area’s young people.

We hope that more people get on board with such projects that can reduce drug, alcohol and sexual activity with our treasured youth. That type of help is what our communities, state and nation needs.

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

Famunda wrote on Jul 20, 2009 10:50 AM:

" "Keeping it Real" learned to ride that BMX bike because of a wonderful program where he grew up at. I even have a signed t-shirt from where that dude used to rip up the pavement, now he's a multi-millionaire, all because he stayed outta trouble due to the skate/bike parks. "

. wrote on Jul 16, 2009 1:05 PM:

" to "Keepin it Real" -- where were all the people that want BMX at all the city hall/boys N girls club meetings?? "

One more... wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:54 AM:

" I think this is great to see the kids out there gathering and having a place to do "something!" I think also we need to thank the Lee's for their effort in all this too! They helped with a lot to do this for those kids. WTG Tana and Gary! "

not a kid wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:51 AM:

" It's just good to see something for the kids around here. They are sure using the ramps and seemingly enjoying themselves. At least the parents know where their kids are now. Build it and they will come. Good to see something out there that kids can do and flock to. Now, how about some garbage cans for them to use? "

wrote on Jul 13, 2009 12:45 PM:

" Williston BMX park is near Magrum Motors "

Keepin It Real wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:51 PM:

" Who is the certain adult so someone can get this handled! And I thought in Williston the had certain days for bikes and certain days for skaters? "

Mom wrote on Jul 12, 2009 4:37 PM:

" Yes the kids are definately enjoying it!And yes, there have been bikes there but a few times a day a certain adult comes by and kicks the kids with bikes off the park because he says the bikes will void the warranty. So the kids with bikes stop riding and just watch. They do get back on sometimes after the adult leaves. I am just curious if that is an actual rule or just someone trying to be controlling? "

wrote on Jul 12, 2009 4:05 PM:

" Williston has a separate area. It should be the next project. BMX parks are easy, Has anyone talked to Bernie Connor? "

Keepin It Real wrote on Jul 12, 2009 11:53 AM:

" Are you freakin kidding me? No bikes? Skateing and Bikes go hand and hand! Who is in charge of setting the rules? Probably the same people that set the rules for the water slides, and we all remember how that went! "

JB wrote on Jul 12, 2009 10:16 AM:

" I have been by there plenty of times and watched kids come down the ramps on their bikes. Is there a sign posted that bikes are not allowed on them? Looks like the kids are enjoying the park so far! "

mom wrote on Jul 12, 2009 1:28 AM:

" It would be nice if the skatepark could be used by kids with bikes. I did not realize that the park was designated just for skaters. Alot of kids were excited about this only to be turned away because they wanted to try their tricks on their bikes. There are a lot of disapointed kids out there that can only watch or will not use the park now because it is just for skateboard. By the way, my boy is a skateboarder but is very discouraged by this. "

wrote on Jul 8, 2009 7:31 AM:

" 3 words-
Partnership for promise! "

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