It is the responsibility of the community, the newspaper included, to make parents aware of the growing drug use by the youth in Mower County.

All too often, parents are caught up in everyday issues and don't get in touch with what's new in their children's lives.

The media, schools and law enforcement are trying to keep abreast of the drugs release information about the drugs that are produced here in an effort to keep parents informed.

But, they can't do it alone. It's time for us, as parents, to get uncomfortable and start talking to our kids about drugs, and be on the alert for warning signs that point toward drug use. Statistics have been released by the Department of Children, Families and Learning that say the reason children don't use drugs is because their parents object.

In order for that to be a deterrent, the parents must first voice those objections. The Mower County Public Health Department has information available to help parents identify the problem.