Mom wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:08 PM:And this would be exactly why so many teenagers do not trust people in authority. A hoax like this is cruel. Would the administration still be defending their actions if a friend, relative, or significant other of one of the supposed dead attempted suicide out of grief, not knowing their loved one was really ok?

Andrea wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:15 PM:I think this is a good idea, it lets teens know the harsh reality that you only get one life and you better make smart decisions. Death doesnt discriminate by age, race or sex. I'm sure we all know someone that has been impacted by a drunk driver in one way or another. And its never in a possitive way.

Well Now wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:50 AM:Andrea -

Drunk driving DOES impact people in a positive way. For every bad thing that happens, something good comes of it.

So, sadly, a life may be lost or crippled; however, those close to the victim will see first hand the dangers of driving under the influence and not do it.

Would I have it that no-one were touched by DUI's, yes but we all know that that is never a possiblity.

Next, I agree with Mom 100%!

A real parent wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:51 AM:Really "Mom" - you think that's why teenagers don't trust people in authority? You don't think it has anything to do with authority figures reminding them that with privilege comes responsibility? Litte inconvenient truths about things that will kill them faster than they can say "global warming"? I think this is great, and only hope they still show "Blood on the Highway" in driver training classes! That shocked the heck out of me when I saw it at OHS in 1974. I hope these kids take the message to heart.

Nope wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:52 AM:Any advertising campaign or initiative is only effective when it can be scaled to a broader audience. This type of event will never be used again locally, statewide, or nationally. With all of the social sites young adults use. the press this got the event is probably well known . If MADD etc. attempts it again the intended audience will call their bluff and not get the message.

Dont wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:02 AM:fear the reaper....

Joe wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:18 AM:for MOM: As a parent of two graduates of El Camino I fully commend the school by conducting this "drill". Most teenagers do not think of consequences. With "shock treatment" you would hope you will reach out to some of them? I would rather have feeling hurt, than attend a memorial service because of stupidity. They will get over it.

simple wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:57 AM:it's called child abuse.Parents trying this stunt would be charged with child abuse. Now when a police officer tells you someone has died we will have to consider it could be a hoax. This has so many unintended consequences that far outweigh any benefits. Very unprofessional of all adults involved.

dave from oceanside wrote on Jun 16, 2008 5:19 AM:For once I agree with something the schools are doing. This is what it takes to get through to kids and even to reckless adults.

lucki wrote on Jun 16, 2008 5:58 AM:I agree that the program is harsh but it will be some of these teenagers at EC who choose to drive drunk and maybe because of this scare tactic it will be your kid who lives (whether they are driving or not). Wouldn't someone's life be worth a little shake up?

I suppose the teachers wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:31 AM:have no problem with parents calling the school to report the teachers child is dead?

local osider wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:55 AM:too bad scared straight programs do not work...the scared straight prison programs have been a flop for years...scaring teens to use condoms is also a flop...until our drinking age is lowered and our driving age is raised, and comprehensive public transportation is instituted, we will continue to have this problem...Elcamino administrators thought they were doing something useful,but was actually a useless gesture that put them in the hot seat!

steve wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:57 AM:have these programs been proven to be effective? I dont remember learning that scaring kids prevents them from doing something..

Is this st amendment wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:03 AM:right or is this yelling fire at a theather?

OMG wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:10 AM:have you seen the Every 15 minutes skit? While some kids take it seriously, I think this tactic probably was more effective. How can people think this was abuse??I am sure the (acting-dead)students agreed to be a part of this skit.It is not as if they were forced. It it got this much attention, and people were that freaked out, they must have accomplished the goal. To scare the living heck out of the kids what happens when someone drinks and drive. Thats all!!

been there wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:20 AM:As a teacher I have heard complaints from many students about the lies they were told through a similar program. The "greater truth" rationale can be used to justify almost anything and amounts to manipulation leading to mistrust and betrayal. Reality is harsh enough. We should use truth to teach students. There are plenty of victims of drunk drivers, myself included, who can describe the agony of this crime to young people without creating an emotional frenzy that lasts a brief time. Trade that frenzy for rational thoughtful discussions of reality and you build students thinking power.

GFN wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:43 AM:I agree with Mom and Simple. Telling the students a lie causes a loss of the moral high ground. The result?..."People started yelling at the teacher," a student said. "It was pretty hectic." You do not want that happening in your class; it was wrong.

Barbara wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:54 AM:I don't understand all this uproar. This program has been in place for years in other North County school districts. They've never been criticized for it. Maybe more whiners in O'Side?

Craig wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:01 AM:Apparently the schools finally figured out something that worked and now they are taking a lot of flack for it. Like the one student in the article said "But then I felt selfish for feeling that way, because, I mean, if it saves one life it's worth it." Unfortunately schools have now taken on the roles that parents apparently aren't capable of. This is a great opportunity to have a conversation with your child, do you think anything would have been said by the kids if they did the "Grim Reaper" routine, no the kids would have thought it was just a big joke.

Jerimiah wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:09 AM:The program seems to be working. It used to be every 15 minutes that a teen was killed, and now it's every 39 minutes. If the lesson gets through to only 25% of the kids, it may save a life. I have observed the program and noticed that quite a few teens took it as a joke, but hopefully enough of them took it seriously.

Student Who Drank wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:18 AM:If the school tried putting up signs "DEATH IS REAL -- DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE" would that have made an impression on the students? I do not think so, because slogans like that have been used for years, and students still drink and drive.

les wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:21 AM:I think the principal and the councilor should be fired.

The students wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:23 AM:are learning like the public, don't trust teachers ot their administrators, PERIOD!

Just a thought wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:24 AM:I have seen the "Every 15 Minutes" skit. Some kids laugh during it, snicker or don't even pay attention.They see it as a big joke! Regardless of how "HARSH" this other tactic was, it got their attention and nobody was laughing.Apparently Oceanside does have a bunch of whiners. These parents (complainers, whiners,etc) obviously didn't get the BIG PICTURE of what was accomplished. Open your eyes and minds people...it will do wonders for you intellect!!

dan-oside wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:30 AM:Much of the research on risk taking points to the fact that at a moment of decision the person weighs the risk against the reward. For some the need for social acceptance, escape, or release from social inhibition is a far stronger drive than a remote possibility of a traffic accident. The direct relationship between someone close to me having been injured or killed by an activity I enjoy, and me chosing to continue the activity is like "surfing with sharks," it probably won't happen to me. A more relevant, long term approach would be to ask kids why they drink (or do drugs), what, if any, real benefit takes place, and what are the personal, long term consequences. Teach responsibility responsibly.

Concerned One wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:31 AM:Are our kids really so stupid teachers have to use such tactics? Lying to students, especially on this level, is absolutely wrong. So what if the original program was corny, it made the point fairly. Another case of gene pool saturation.

What is next wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:35 AM:SHOCK fire drills? Run everybody the school is on fire!

Suzie wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:35 AM:Legalize drinking and drugging and get rid of all the deadbeats in our society. It would make for a decline in planetary population for the better. Less people means less vehicles on the road and more room for those of us who don't do drugs or drink ourselves into oblivion.....

to Concerned One wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:43 AM:Since you put it that way, Yes, kids really are that stupid. And the parents on this blog complaining about the tactics used would probably be complaining that the schools didn't do enough if their kid died during a graduation party from a DUI. What's next, lawsuits because their kids are "traumatized"? Gimme a break.

OMGosh wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:48 AM:this is cruel! It will certainly decrease their self esteem. Why would we want them to experience a possible real life scenario. Suck it up! This was a great idea and those parents who disagree, keep sheltering your little darlings that won't be able cope with real life incidents!

Sad thing is wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:48 AM:thanks to the teachers the kids won't believe our police officers either.

Mom wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:51 AM:I think a better idea would be to bring in people who have actually lost loved ones to drunk driving. Bring in the Medical Examiner to describe scraping bits and pieces of teens off the road. Have officers bring in a prisoner convicted of killing someone while driving drunk. Make Red Asphalt mandatory watching once a year. All of those will have infinitely more impact than a manipulative hoax.

It was mean old wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:55 AM:teachers that destroyed Easter and Christmas for hundreds of us that use to be well adjusted children.

To Concerned One wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:57 AM:No I thinbk the children already know the teachers are one fry short of a happy meal.

The teachers are wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:04 AM:destroying our children's self esteem. See the public fire the teachers, see the teachers run, run teachers, run.

My children and wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:05 AM:their friends are asking for assistance from the ACLU!

To Mom wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:19 AM:Our children get hardened by listening to the lecture over and over by the same parents who's children have died from bad choices either by driving and drinking or by getting into the car and letting someone drive who has been drinking. Maybe having someone who survived the experience and lived to regret it would work better.

Girls Rule wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:22 AM:The individuals who are finding fault with the scared straight exercise are the same who would be lamenting their losses if such a tragedy had occured. Stop coddling your kids, people. The deserve to learn life's lessons without actually experiencing them ~ something that DARE, and crashed vehicles on campus pre-prom night haven't achieved! Under age drinking is outta control, and I think this tactic ~ all tho startling, made a point ~ and a damned good one! This was not a waste of time or effort.

Oside Res wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:28 AM:It's not right.

Its Just Wrong wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:39 AM:Only fools, and I include our current politically correct educational leaders in that category at times, need lie to someone to teach them a lesson. I'm usually the last one to say the kids are too easily traumatized these days, but the range of emotions one feels when confronted with the death of a close friend or relative can cause REAL shock, and it's only a matter of time before they play this trick on the wrong kid and then the authorities are going to have a suicide, or worse a homicide, as a result. When they "shocked" us in the old days, it didn't include telling us that a classmate was dead. In fact, if a parent told a kid this sort of stuff OUTSIDE of school, they'd probably be arrested for some sort of cruelty to a minor, and hung (figuratively of course) in these very same blogs for being a monster.

Education Gone Wrong wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:49 AM:"They were traumatized, but we wanted them to be traumatized," said guidance counselor Lori Tauber. So, somehow our schools counselor's now feel the need to traumatize our kids? If this isn't a big sign that something has gone extraordinarily wrong with our educational system, then I really don't know what is. This is NOT what we send our kids to school for. The school should not PLAN events that REQUIRE trauma councilors! There is NO justification for this type of cruelty, especially from trained professionals in (cough, cough) education.

Well Now wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:54 AM:Mom has said it well, again!

The schools should not be doing the jobs parents should. Also, the school is teaching lying for the greater good. Sounds like they are priming the kids for a life of politics.

Schools should teach the three r's and leave out the other teachings to the parents.

Peter wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:55 AM:Two things strike me about the story, first is how does MADD get this into the school? Though I oppose driving under the influence, I believe the heavy-handed and dogmatic approach taken by MADD is only marginally effective. This relates to my second concern, all the focus on teen drinking and driving seems to be missing the point that they are dinking. Furthermore, with alcohol being the gateway drug that it is what else are they using? I’d rather see the drinking age lowered to 18, responsibility and values being taught at home, and reinforced at worship, and in schools. School administrators need to oversee more educating and less indoctrinating.

DARE MADD etc. Hyperbole and lies undermine the message wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:05 AM:Only fanatics would think that the ends of prevention justify the means of deception. What they don't get, is that by these extreme tactics they completely lose all credibility, which achieves, in the long term, the opposite of their objective. Sure, at that moment in time, kids got the message. But over the long term, what did they learn? That cops are liars.
Great idea, NOT!

Chagrined parent. wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:20 AM:Right out of the Red Chinese and North Korean brain-washing play book.

God help the kids "Teachers defend shock tactics in teen drunken-driving program...." surely wont!

udaman wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:26 AM:Mom is 100% correct on both of her comments...
and Suzie , what are you doing tonight?

To Suzie wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:35 AM:It's not just a dead beat that drives, it's your neighbor, your committee member, your church member.

Jamie wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:52 AM:It was a great move, especially at this time of year. Now it will be forefront in these kids minds. Every year from graduation to the end of summer, there are almost weekly articals about teenagers dying on or roads caused by DUI's and racing. I would love to see NCT do the research and tell us how many teens were lost in North County last year between May and September. Maybe then people would realize how important shocking these kids could be. If you think the kids were traumatized, you should see them at their friends funeral. They don't get over it near as quickly when it's real. Hopefully they saved a couple of lives.

To Mom wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:03 AM:The parents of children of drunk drivers or who just died with drunk drivers are not the ones to talk excessively about the subject. There must be a few survivors of tragic accidents who will stand and tell the crowd of children that mostly it starts by drinking then they pile into a car, firmly believing that nothing will happen, more joking and kidding around while in the car and then suddenly tragedy stricks. Something that may or may not have to do with the drinking but something all the same. So many lives are lost when the fun stops.

Real Life wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:12 AM:If there wasn't a need to do what the adminstrators did, they wouldn't have done it. Many of you have overlooked the fact that students participated and wanted it to be as extreme as it was. Clearly for many people, the weak legal consequenses mean little. You have to bring in the emotional to get people's attention. Instead of whining about hurt feelings, be grateful that young people's eyes were opened to the reality instead of continuing the "it won't happen to me" mindset.

DRIVER TRAINING INSTRUCTOR wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:20 AM:TO MOM: Well Written Mom

Driver Facts:
Deaths. Each Year over 5,000 teens ages 16 to 20 Die due to Fatal injuries caused Car accidents. About 400,000 drivers age 16 to 20 will be seriously injured.

Risks. The risk of being involved in a car accident the highest for drivers aged 16- to 19-year-olds than it is for any other age group. For each mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are about four times more likely than other drivers to crash.

The powerful automobile and fuel lobby's want the kids on the road using the gas with pitifully minimal training and testing.

Hey I know wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:20 AM:have the teachers take them out on a field day trip to the morgue! :)

Teachers and Administrators wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:39 AM:My kid, teach him reading, writing and math and the other skills he will need in the business world. All other matters are my responsiblity, don't step on my toes!

Teachers we have wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:44 AM:read all of your blogs defending this practice now how about giving the parents a chance to express themselves, ok?

Karen wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:01 PM:I have attended and participated in the every 15 minutes program. The children involved and their families are well aware of what is going to happen and it is orchestrated with the assistance of school, police dept and fire dept officials.
Yes. It is graphic. the makeup and staged accidents are horific.
Yes they are emotional. It gives the kids a clue about how they would feel if this actually happened.
In Newport Beach they actually take the children through the courts and a sentence is given for DUI Manslaughter. Terrifying, but true to fact.
The families write their childs obituary. Just like the failies of those children who actually die.
Bottom line. This is a way that brings these kids to the reality of drunk drivers and the damage they can do, the price they can pay, as well as other innocent people who were just at the wrong place wrong time.
They walk the kids through a mortuary Prep room. Creepy, Stark, Real. I recomend every child go through the program. Every parent. It is a good deterrent, look at the statistics.
I know alot of parents let their teenagers drink on occasion, tey would be surprised at how often these kids drink without them. This is no joke.
Instead of overprotecting your kids thinking this only happens to other peoples kids, realize that these programs are in place to keep your kids safe.

law wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:12 PM:Whether or not the kids are smart has nothing to do with how they act on the road.
Peer pressure or being macho in the company of other teens will drive most kids to attempt irrational behavior just to fit in or get attention.
This is something even adults have a difficult time with, so how can you expect a kid to act responsibly.
The only way to get across to these kids is to burn them, figuratively speaking, so they won't attempt it in the first place.

John E wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:18 PM:The U.S. has a grave problem with inebriated, inattentive, and/or drowsy drivers. If shock theatre is not the solution, we urgently need to find something that is. Western Europeans tend to be more tolerant of alcohol consumption than Americans, but far less tolerant of drunk driving.

I do support the recommendation that drunk driving victims be recruited to tell the kids their stories. When I was in grade school, a retired doctor gave guest lectures on smoking, using lung tissue collectd from autopsies of smokers and non-smokers -- the difference was pretty impressive.

I would also support stricter penalties for DUI convictions.

Jamie wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:18 PM:The Union Tribune has 2 DUI accidents today! 3 injured today, one house crashed into. How would you like to get the kids attention?

Girls Rule wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:26 PM:I cannot believe what a bunch of whiners there are in Oceanside! Waaaa!Waaa! They scared us!!!! Get a life, and get real! The schools are damned if they do and damned if they don't! But, let someone throw a drinking party for their kid ~ which happens every weekend, and the whiners will scream ~ hang em high! Ridiculous rantings.

- wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:54 PM:Shock them all SOBER. Fiction is better than reality. If this shock tactic saves one kids it was worth it!!!!!!!!!

to John E wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:22 PM:Not a drunk driving victim (?), victim can have different meaning to different people. It should either be a person who was driving and drinking or the passenger who allowed it,a participant.

Vista wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:26 PM:Most of the kids that age have been raised in the "We all win" soccer lie.

We don't all win.

This generation is the most selfish and egocentric of our time in my opinion. I have 2 sons ages 20 and 14, they say the same about their peers. No one cares or thinks of others, just what they want at that moment.

I think the feeling of betrayal is valid from the children but like the one girl said, it is for the greater good.

This just shows the desperation to make these kids think of the consequences of their actions; the parents sure don't.

Liberal and Proud wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:28 PM:Take the kids to a crash site so they can see all of the gore! Those who lose their lunch make them walk back to school!

LOL wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:44 PM:Girls Rule... i co-sign your statements 100 percent!

We tried sugar coating these scenarios. That didn't work. We tried showing videos. that didn't work. These kids minds are not as feeble was you naive parents think! I bet little Timmy and little Jane has seen way more than y'all disgruntle parents have when you were in High School! Here's what I don't understand... Why are people upset about the school's shock tactic! They should be more upset that UNDER-AGED PEOPLE ARE DRINKING AND DRIVING!!! Seems like y'all gripers are not seeing the real problem.

Onechance wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:26 PM:Here is the problem with this approach. It only can applied once in one school. If they try this in any other school in SD County all the students will be on to them. With the advent of social web sites our youth can communicate with people all over the country. I am sure this has garnered press nationwide as well. An effective campaign is one that can be utilized more than once.Additionally people have short attention spans and I doubt lying to them is very effective.

Hey wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:54 PM:Lets do it to adults at MADD classes, they could use the microphone and say Mr. Smith, please come to the front of the stage your daughter has just been killed by a drunk driver! Oh wait! Won't work, an adult would have them sued so fast it wouldn't be funny at all. I recommend all of you parents look into the legality of these lies to your children.

Juan Grande wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:55 PM:Scare tactics never worked, go all the way back to Reefer Madness. Substance abuse has it roots far deeper than the mere balancing on consequences. The solution is not in a juvenile prank such as the one they pulled of in OUSD.

I can imagine all sorts of revenge these kids could get for payback. How about this one "Hey Mom, granny called while you were out, grandpa just had a heart attack" (might stop mom from smoking) Or maybe, "Hey Dad, the hospital called, Moms in the ICU" . . . you get the point

lucki wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:01 PM:To Teachers and Administrators---Do you really think parents are taking care of the moral issues at home? I am sure some are but go visit a high school and talk to some of these kids about their role models.

To ALL: I think it sad that we are more concerned with these kids 'feelings' than their lives. This will be the first reality check of many and let's hope this next one doesn't come at a funeral for another young life. Watch the news and pay attention. This is real. One life saved is worth it all.

FOR ALL OF YOU wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:25 PM:Ok.. My senior year my classmates and I lived this horror! We lost a friend to a drunk driving accident. And let me tell you.. At the end of the day we were NOT lucky enough to hear that it was just to teach us a lesson. He was really gone. And there were more of my fellow classmates at our gradnight that year instead out out at some party getting drunk!

So unlike us.. These kids got to see their friends again and MAYBE learn that it they do not want to actually live that nightmare.

Was it wrong?? NO!! Teenagers think life is a joke. I was one not too long ago.. I remember thinking something like this could never happen to me or my friends. And it did!!

Sometimes kids need that harsh reality that makes them cry not laugh at what people actually have to suffer through.. STOP KEEPING KIDS IN A BUBBLE YOU CANNOT PROTECT THEM FROM EVERYTHING.. THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS GOING TO LISTEN TO MOMMY AND DADDY.

SOCIAL GRATIFICATION IS MORE TO THEM THEN WHAT THEIR PARENTS SAY!!

Teenagers are being brought up to be completely selfish and careless because they are TOO SHELTERED!!! Let them get that SLAP IN THE FACE.. IT HAPPEN TO YOU ALL IF YOU ACT THIS STUPID MESSAGE THAT YOU AS PARENTS DO NOT WANT TO GIVE THEM!!

realityone wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:31 PM:My son was killed by a drunk driver. You have no idea what pain we live with every day. Maybe if the driver had seen this program he wouldn't have made the choices he did. You can argue all day long about what is right and what is wrong, but reality of a lost child to a drunk driver is devastating. Many parents allow their kids to drink at home, thinking they'll be safer if they supervise them. Those same kids brag about it at school and have learned nothing! I applaud the schools for doing a fantastic job of scaring these kids straight!! Ask your kids how many times they have gone to a party and the parents allow alcohol. You will be shocked!! So many parents live in denial and never ever suspect that their kids are drinking. Wake up before your child becomes a statistic.

Bob wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:33 PM:Maybe if parents actually steped up and became parents, we would not have as many problems. Schools can focus on teaching the three r's when parents start discipling and teaching their kids how to be respectful. Parents need to stop enabaling and realize that they are the boss of their kids.

jeremy wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:55 PM:Good job El Camino High and everyone else who was invovled in this great program!! Were the students upset?? Yes. Good!! Maybe this will make them think twice now.
By the way to all you idiots saying it is cruel and even child abuse, shut your mouths and think about it. Because of these mean school admistrators, your child's life may not be cut short.
Thanks El Camino High- it took courage to do what you did. You did the right thing!!!!

Man really if you gonna wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:58 PM:pretend you are a teenage don't refer to your friends as kids, kids and teenagers hate that more than anything, makes them feel like second class citizens. I AM NOT A KID!!! Sorry, Spike I didn't mean you were a kid, just a little person. Has to lives with them to knows them. :)

When the parents wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:01 PM:and the principal of the schools paddle us, we had alot less trouble.

Salted wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:40 PM:Of course they have the first amendment right to do this kind of thing, but it seems like bad judgment to me, and I doubt that it is as effective as some of the comments pretend. I wonder how many of these positive comments are salted with employees of the school district trying to circle the wagons. There has to be a better way than pretending fellow students died? Do all the "every 15 minutes" programs use this cruel hoax? Why not tie them to chairs and slap them around? Surely that would get their attention.

Ginger wrote on Jun 16, 2008 5:40 PM:a great lesson for students as the summer comes along: Question Authority.

Wrong wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:06 PM:Absolutely disgusting. This story enrages me. The teachers totally overstepped their boundaries, this is a parent's job. Teachers should be teaching how to read and write, God knows most graduates can hardly do that. I liked this comment, "I suppose the teachers have no problem with parents calling to tell them that their child is dead". You know, to teach them a lesson. There are many irresponsible adults out there and apparently they are the ones teaching our children.

my two pennies wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:48 PM:I applaud the school for doing this. If 'parents' would actually step up and teach their kids some accountability and responsibility then I would disagree. However, most of these kids are being coddled and they have been 'sheltered' for far too long. It is a good thing to get your 'little bubble' burst every now and again. If any of the kids 'commit suicide' as someone suggested, well... one less moron out of the gene pool. Time for kids in America to wake up and realize that not everything in life is like the 'Housewives of OC' pretend it is. Face reality head-on and maybe, just maybe, you will make something positive come from your lives.

john wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:29 PM:A really sick joke if that,s their idea of humour i,m not laughing.

ousd teacher wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:03 PM:I believe a small group of administrators and counselors got together and made a bad decision. They made a mistake, and I doubt if what they did will be repeated. For myself, I only want to know that a loved one has died, when they die. I don't want to go through that rollercoaster unless it is real.
I don't understand how this one isolated incident becomes some symbol for all that is either right or wrong with education. Give me a break.
Teachers can begin teaching only the 3 Rs when we reach a utopian state in which all children come to school with perfect behavior and a desire to learn. Instead, before any subject matter can be taught, students must be taught self-control, motivation, and the ability to follow classroom procedures. Using this unfortunate incident as some sort prime example for what is right or wrong about education on a daily basis is ignorant. If you are really interested in what's going on in education, you need to visit many classrooms, and talk to a variety of students and teachers. You're not going to find the real answers in this comments section, or by listening to talk radio.

thats pretty harsh wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:13 PM:I knowpev kids need a good wake-up call to the perils of drugs and alcohol, but have them go to a hospital and see a paralyzed victim or to the morgue. Don't let them think a friend has died. That's really wrong. Bottom line, kids, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! WEAR SEAT BELTS!

what if... wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:26 PM:one of the kids being told this "story" had had a heart attack or asthma attack or fainted and hit their head or started to hyperventilate or run into the street screaming only to be killed by a car....what a lawsuit that would have been. It's all very sad. The teenagers (and younger kids) need a good lesson in life, but this was a bit much, I think. God Bless, Be Safe, Don't Drink & Drive...wear your seatbelt...call a cab...call your parents...call the police if you suspect drunk driving!

Why wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:10 PM:Despicable. The administrators betrayed the students by lying to them, and forcing them to endure REAL grief. That could easily put a kid over the edge and experience a real emotional breakdown. Also, why should they ever trust any message that the school puts forth again? No matter the good intentions of the school, this tactic was cruel and unlikely to be effective. One final note, why are students not treated like young, reasoning adults, which they are (obviously to varying degrees)? Scare tactics only serve to demean them and insinuate that they are not capable of making good decisions without being scared silly.

ConcernedParent wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:35 PM:The high school my children attend, Guajome Park Academy in Vista, had a similar program a few weeks ago. Ironically, shortly after that the Junior/Senior prom was held at The House of Blues in the Gaslamp in San Diego. The prom for all of these 16 and 17 year olds ended at midnight 40 miles south of home on I-5. It struck me that our children, were put in a very avoidable, dangerous situation. Luckily, all the kids made it home safe that night. But whatever you think about lying to kids to "Scare them straight" isn't it maddeningly ludicrous to follow that program up with a prom that's a set-up for a tragedy.

Re Reality One wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:01 AM:Most people have seen or been exposed to a program like this. Unless your child was hit by an older driver who was DUI then I would reason the person was in a program. They just don't work, just like the drug programs haven't worked and that goes for the anti smoking also. Drinking and smoking have been made glamorous and grown up so our children love that.

Come on wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:23 AM:Maybe this was a drastic measure but how many of those high school kids are going to think about this before they drink and drive or get in the car with someone who has been drinking. I am a parent and I talk to my kids about their actions and responsibilities of drinking, sex etc.. but how many parents seriously talk to their kids. Most kids these days do not have responsibilities and they are coddled because one can't whip the tar out of them, and then they get sent to time out. High school students need to know their friends and themselves can die from drinking and driving. maybe after this happen the point will never be forgotten and lives are saved.

We never had wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:49 AM:commie teachers do this to us when we were kids. They just traumatized us with get under your desk, the bomb is on the way.

Listen Children wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:56 AM:Trust no one over 30 and never trust a police office or teacher under 30, why? They lie to you. This is worse than promising a child a brand new toy for his birthday and giving him a rock instead.

People Lover wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:16 AM:No matter how much you wiggle and dance, "IT" still happens. As a parent you think you've done a good job and then, the unthinkable. I feel for the parents.

JuanGrande wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:52 AM:Did they consider the research in this area or is this just a bunch of wannabes executing a prank that they "think" might work.

Chris wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:59 AM:This is exactly what high school kids need. They live in a do-over society. They don't have any idea of what true pain is when a loved one is lost. They can have sex, drink and do drugs as long as it is responsible. So why do some of you have a problem with what ECHS did to the kids. Traumatic yes, effective time will tell, but the longer they stay alive and have that thought of mental anguish then the schools tactic worked. I for one do believe that this is the exact age group that understands what they are doing and actions like this are needed. Stop and think people, of all the times we see and hear of accidents the first question is always what went wrong? Don't complain that the school and LE is trying something a little more effective than talking.

Drivers Ed wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:06 PM:If we are really concerned about making kids better drivers, why isn't drivers ed part of the school curriculum? Yes it may cost some extra money, but I'd be more than willing to pay a few dollars in taxes to ensure that every student is properly taught how to drive.

Wake up call wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:31 PM:High school kids needs this kind of wake up call! Most of them have a "Superman" mentality that this could never happen to them. Of course, you'll have the whiners who say that this was too harsh. Better harsh than this tragic scenario being reality.

wake up reality wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:49 PM:The parents of the kids complaining about the drunk driving program to show them what will happen need to wake up and the teenage kids also, it will happen to you or a friend one day which it happen too us and woke us up.
I am very glad that they put this show on for the teenagers in high school.

rex wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:53 PM:Good for the police and the schools. keep this program rolling!!!! It seems to me that some of these parents are lost, just like thier kids....

What is so hard wrote on Jun 17, 2008 1:11 PM:about notifing the parents prior to this stunt, that way if the parents object they can have the child called out of the classroom. Parents decision not commie teachers and police.

my bubby wrote on Jun 17, 2008 1:25 PM:My son was killed by a drunk driver 9 months ago. I'm activly involved in the Every 15 Minutes programs at high schools, as well as my daughters. We have impacted more teens than any "scare tactic" ever can. Exposing teens to the reality of drunk driving in a controlled environment is far more effective...and safe. They may laugh or not pay attention but believe me, they are getting the message. We speak to thousands of teens and they DO listen.
I would give anything for a teacher to tell his friends it was a joke. These young adults lives will never be the same. Nor will ours. Give them facts and treat them like they deserve and I just bet they will think first.
The Every 15 Minutes programs are designed and monitored by law enforcement as well as the State. All participants and parents are aware of what will happen and it still has an effect as if it were real. There is no guarantee the teens will not drink and drive but there is the guarantee that they will be educated with cold hard facts.
I don't think its ever okay to inform someone of a death when its used as a "scare tactic". When your informed your loved one has been killed, you'll have to stop and think , "is this a joke?" I asked myself over and over, sadly it was not.
Lets keep honesty and factual teaching. Those are the lessons that teens will learn from and make a part of their daily life. Not pranks that they will remember as scaring them and how angry it made them.
One life lost is too many, one life saved is a start...

Steve wrote on Jun 17, 2008 1:51 PM:A couple hour drill will never teach the pain of losing a loved one. The students are probably having a drink now to get over the stress that was caused by this.

lisabeth wrote on Jun 17, 2008 2:59 PM:Maybe when a student actually dies, an actual trip to the autospy, seeing them lying dead on slab cut open for the world to see might stick a little longer than scary make-up. IF it even saves one life, it's worth it. And if nothing else, they will remember it more than a staged play. Good for the teachers, but the grim reaper part has to go.

Sue the teachers wrote on Jun 17, 2008 4:34 PM:involved!

kareem wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:38 AM:first thing needs done is the teachers and cops that participated need to be held accountable for such a dispicable act!

this is right up there with cannabis kills campaign.:(

Becka wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:35 AM:I would like to know, do you teachers and police officers know what damage you can do to these students playing a hoax like that. I feel there are other ways of getting your point across about drinking and driving instead of stating to students that their friends just died in a drunk driving accident. I truly believe this hoax can be extremely upsetting to students as I feel that it could throw them into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or possibly bring back flashbacks of a close family member or friend to them who've experienced losing someone close to them from a tragic accident. I hope you think before you act next time and realize how damaging this could do to a person.

Some Random Senior wrote on Aug 3, 2008 5:54 PM:I believe that stuff like this should never be pulled. The emotional damage far outweighs the POTENTIAL benefit of this little stunt. I can guarantee that if this were to happen in some of the more... interesting schools of this country, the people behind this would be in the ER for at least a week. They have NO idea what it's like to be put through this Hell. NONE.