"Grown-ups who tell kids not to smoke, drink or take drugs are getting their message across."

This was reported as news in mid-July.

For years, Church leaders have taught that parental influence is strong, that parents and other responsible adults can help youngsters avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. However, some people, including experts of one sort or another, have claimed that parents have little influence in the face of peer pressure, societal trends or media images.

The Associated Press reported: "A new survey shows that drug, alcohol and cigarette use among 6th to 12th-graders is at the lowest level in years, partly because adults are doing more to keep them away from illicit substances.

"Parents and teachers are warning students about drug use and encouraging kids to nurture other interests by joining extracurricular school and religious activities, according to the 2001-02 Pride Survey released this week." (Deseret News, July 19, 2002, p. A5.)

Another finding of the survey: " 'Following [the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America], Americans seemed to refocus on family, community, spirituality and nation,' said survey author Thomas G. Gleaton. 'That renewed awareness shows up in the data.' " (A 1998 federal law named the Atlanta-based Pride Survey as a measure of effectiveness of White House drug policy.)

We are not surprised to read that children's lives improve when parents and other responsible adults take active roles. When these adults are involved, children have help replacing bad choices with good decisions.

Too many have looked to schools and government to teach children about the dangers of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. The home is the best place to teach children about these dangers. When surrounded by family members who have loving personal relationships with them, youngsters have a better chance of developing the confidence they need to stand up for their values, to say "no" to those who would try to entice them to use drugs.

It seems that for a long time the experts have been looking down the wrong end of the barrel during the war on drugs. While it is important to tell children why they should not take drugs, we must not overlook the value of helping them achieve the kind of life from which they feel no need to escape through drug use. A happy, well-adjusted youngster does not need to run away from reality, or numb his or her brain with a drug.

The challenge, of course, is how to help children be happy and well adjusted. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. But there are some universal truths, including:

• Children need responsibilities. Responsibilities that fall within the range of their abilities help children feel they are contributing to the family, have an important role and purpose, and have value.

• Children need to be exposed continually to the idea that they are loved and respected. Those who are loved and respected tend to treat not only others but also themselves with love and respect.

• Children need to learn that life isn't always fair or easy. Those who are taught how to face difficulties usually can meet and overcome challenges.

• Children should be taught that there is only one path to true happiness. The Lord has set a straight and narrow path. If they're taught "wickedness never was happiness" (see Alma 41:10), they'll have a better chance of not falling prey to those who, under false pretenses, would lead them away from the true path and set them on a downward course to misery.

Many other factors contribute to rearing happy, well-adjusted children. Parents and other responsible adults must be diligent in finding them. The stakes are high. Drug abuse is one of the strongest of the many arrows Satan uses to bring down as many souls as he can. We must do all in our power to be sure children are protected from those deadly arrows.