Get informed about the dangers of meth

Grab the nearest teenager you can find and explain to him or her that meth is dangerous.

A 2007 survey of Idaho teens released on Tuesday shows that a vast majority of that population is unaware of the dangers of meth.

The Idaho Meth Use & Attitudes survey shows that many Idaho teens see little to no risk in trying meth and have not tried to stop friends from taking the highly addictive drug.

Twenty-two percent of teens believe meth will make them happy; 25 percent believe meth will help them lose weight and 17 percent said meth use would help them have increased energy.

The average class size in junior and senior high in Idaho is 25. This means that one student in each class is using meth, according to Megan Ronk, executive director of the Idaho Meth Project.

As most Bee readers know, this newspaper has begun a series of public service announcement ads to remind readers of the dangers of meth and to hopefully open lines of communications between parents and teens.

In addition, the Bee is teaming up with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to bring Ronk to the February chamber lunch on Feb. 14 at the Cedar Hills Church.

Reservations for the lunch need to be made by calling 263-0887. You don't have to be a chamber member to attend this important meeting.

"Meth impacts us all," said chamber executive director Amy Little. "Any health care provider or law enforcement official will tell you that meth continues to ruin lives."

The Bee will also be distributing an anti-meth publication to all Bonner County schools through the Newspapers in Education program.

Parents, grandparents and anyone who cares about humanity needs to get informed about meth.

We feel it is this newspaper's responsibility to help provide that information.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.