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Involved Parents Remain the Number One Factor in Preventing Teen Drug Use According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, each day more than 4,700 teens under age 18 try marijuana for the first time. The good news is that parents are the most important influence on their teen when it comes to marijuana use and other risky behaviors. Two-thirds of youth ages 13-17 say that upsetting their parents, or losing the respect of family and friends, is one of the main reasons they don't smoke marijuana or use other drugs. Family activities provide parents with natural opportunities to communicate important messages about staying-drug-free, while also enhancing relationships with their teens. Parents can also help to keep their kids drug-free by monitoring where they are and who they are with, and setting rules with clear consequences for breaking them. Lower levels of marijuana use were found among teens whose parents monitored their activities and peer relationships, limited the time spent watching TV, gave them responsibilities around the house, and recognized their teen's successes and good behavior. *Tips for Parents Teens need Parents' Presence for than Presents. These three simple tips help parents give the priceless gift of time and show them ways to start a dialogue with their teen about staying drug-free. The "gift of time" can be the best gift parents ever give to their children and it can have lifelong benefits. The tips can be viewed at
"As a parent you have
tremendous influence over your child" - JD Hawkins If you could do one thing that would help your child succeed in school, live a healthier life, and develop to his or her potential would you do it? If you answered "yes" then TALK to your child. Research shows teens are more likely to delay drinking alcohol when they have a close, supportive relationship with a parent or guardian.1 The children of today are in a rush to "grow up." Being "grown up" means freedom, making decision and choices about events that happen to them today, tomorrow and in the future. Parents are the role models for "grownup." Actions speak louder than words. For example parents might be surprised to find out that they influence the attitudes of their children toward alcohol, tobacco and other drug use when they involve them in their own use.2 An example is asking a child: "get me an ashtray" or "hand me a beer from the refrigerator." Young people often say that they learn more from friends than family when they reach adolescence; but research studies have found that these same adolescents would prefer to learn about a variety of important topics from their parents or another caring adult.3 If they do not hear your opinion on the subject, they may think you do not have one. This silence can leave the door open for experimentation or regular use. Start talking when your child is young and keep talking. 1 Hawkins, JD.;
D.; Sweny,S.(1986) "The effects of parental attitudes on teenagers' use
of gateway drugs." American Psychological Association Journal.
Pointers for Parents Parent Liabilities/Teen Parties
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