TEEN-AGERS TARGETS FOR DRUGS

It should come as no surprise that a report last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that drug use by U.S. teen-agers increased by 78 percent from 1992 to 1995. Young people, after all, are the primary targets not only of those who push illegal drugs but the industries that sell alcohol and tobacco -- the so-called legal drugs -- as well.

Young people have been bombarded with exposure to drugs by characters in movies and on television shows. Drug pushers hope to get young people started on drugs to assure their continuing market. Beer commercials feature cute little animals that attract the attention not only of teens but much younger children. The cartoon character Joe Camel was invented by a cigarette manufacturer to get young people started smoking.

The exposure is everywhere a youngster turns, and that is a big part of the problem. But that won't change, and neither will the supply of illicit drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Until this nation is ridded of illicit drugs -- and chances are slim it ever will be -- teen-agers will continue to try them. To some, drug use will be nothing more than an experiment. To others, it will be the first of many highs that will lead down a road to personal destruction.

Moral discipline begins in the home, and parents should take charge to teach their children about the dangers of using drugs and getting help for youngsters who need it.