COMPLETE COVERAGE:

COMPLETE COVERAGE:
Twilight: New Moon

°

Homepage / Family
Text Size

Keep Kids Away From Drugs On Internet

Teens Say It's Easy To Get Prescriptions On The Web

POSTED: 5:25 p.m. EST November 11, 2003

Many parents worry about their kids getting drugs from friends at parties or from dealers at school, but there may be another source right in their own home.

"I know people who have purchased drugs off the Internet," said Andrew Klein, 16.

"I know people who have friends who have done it from online," said Katie Blackstad, also 16.

And Ana Fernandez, 14, says, "Actually I just heard about this kid a couple days ago trying to get Vicodin off the Internet."

In fact, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that on 53 of the first 100 Web sites they searched, a child could buy codeine without a prescription, without age verification, without ever having seen a doctor.

Sue Rusche of the National Families in Action knows how many potentially dangerous Web sites are out there.

"You'll be horrified. You will get message, messages that say these drugs are safe. They're not going to hurt you. And if your parents tell you otherwise, they don't know what they're talking about," said Rusche.

The Internet is worldwide and too huge to count on the police or the FBI or the FDA to protect kids, she said.

Ana Fernandez has seen firsthand how easy it is to find these sites.

"All you have to do is put in 'I want some kind of medication' – just pretty much gets you there," she said.

Experts believe a parent's first defense is to know these Web sites are out there. Next, make sure your computer is in a family area, so you can supervise your kids while they're online. Search some of these sites without your kids; then, pick the ones you want to show your children.

"I think you use it as a teaching tool. You say there's stuff out here that's lying to you, because they're interested in the money in your pocket and they're don't care what happens to you. And let's find some of those places so you know not to believe them," Rusche said.

Stephanie May, 15, agrees that it is foolish to trust these online drug suppliers. "I think it's stupid to buy drugs from someone you don't know. I think it's stupid to buy drugs period," she said.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

Everyone is trying to save a little cash these days, and one way to do it is by having an easy to insure car. Check out 20 cars that can save you money. More

Though stress does not cause irritable bowel syndrome, it can trigger or intensify your symptoms. Learn more to help manage your IBS. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes

      Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter.

    • Why Having Fun At Work Matters

      If people are having fun, they’re going to work harder, stay longer, maintain their composure in a crisis and take better care of the organization.

    • Ten Tips To Boost Your Interview IQ

      Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

    • Learn How To Deal With Pay Cuts

      If you’re about to take a pay cut, find out how you can go about dealing with it and stay proactive about your salary.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • Your LifeClick to Expand

Question Of The Day

Do you have plans to see the new Twilight; New Moon movie this weekend?