How can parents check so their children don’t get drugs over the Internet? John Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy makes three recommendations:

• Learn about the digital devices your teen uses. Visit their Web pages or blogs and know who is in their cell phone contact list.

• Limit the time your teen spends online. Put computers in a common area of the house to more easily monitor their use.

• Set limits on which Web sites, chat rooms, games or blogs they can and cannot visit, and discuss consequences for breaking these rules.

<b>PARENTS ARE</b> also recommended to check out the Web site <b><i>TheAntiDrug.com</i></b> for information.The site features a complete, easy-to-understand tutorial about technology in teens’ lives, tips on decoding teens’ lingo online, as well as specific tools parents can use to monitor their teen’s use of technology.The site has a wealth of information for baby boomer parents who may be familiar with illicit drugs that were widespread when they were young, but are unfamiliar with drugs in vogue today, such as Ecstasy, GHB or Ketamine.

Betty Gaul, director of the Butler County Drug and Alcohol Program, offers these tips:• <B>EDUCATION:</B> The best thing a parent can do is personally become knowledgeable about drug use, addiction, the drugs currently out there — the whole system.”• <B>COMMUNICATE</B>: Talk to your kid about everything. Build a relationship with your kids so they are comfortable talking with you. The more open lines of communication about all issues, the better off you’re going to be.• <B>STAY IN TOUCH</B>: “Be in touch with your child’s world, how they spend their free time, what they’re doing at school, who their friends are and things they enjoy.“The more you’re in touch with your child’s world, the more difficult it is for them to become involved with risky behavior, including substance abuse.”• <B>GET HELP</B>: If you suspect there may be a drug and alcohol issue, Gaul recommends that parents call the Butler County Drug and Alcohol Program. “We can direct you to resources and options. We can help you work through it.”Gaul said all calls can remain confidential.The number is 724-284-5114.