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Tips and Checklist

Parent Tips

Summer can be a risky time for teens. More teens try marijuana for the first time during the summer months than any other time of the year. Each day in June, July, and August more than 6,100 youth try marijuana for the first time, that’s 38 percent more per day than during the rest of the year.

And marijuana is more harmful than many parents think. Marijuana can be addictive and lead to a host of health, social and behavioral problems at a crucial time in kids’ lives, when their bodies and brains are still developing. Marijuana use damages lungs, impairs learning, and decreases motivation. Kids who use marijuana in early adolescence are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as delinquency, engaging in sexual activity, driving while high or riding with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They are also more likely to perceive drugs as not harmful and have more friends who exhibit deviant behavior.

So how can you stop your teen’s summer from going to pot?

Here is a S-U-M-M-E-R drug-free checklist. Review the items here, or print this page and post it somewhere you’ll see every day.

The Summer Activity Checklist:

Have You Done These With Your Teen Yet?

One important rule for parents is to be prepared to answer tough questions from your teen. Are you ready to answer if your child asks if you ever used pot?

YES, I'VE DONE IT!

1. SET RULES:

Have you set clear rules and let your teen know that marijuana use is unacceptable? Two-thirds of kids 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. Set limits with clear consequences for breaking them. Praise and reward good behavior.

2. Understand and Communicate:

Have you talked to your teen in the past month about the harmful physical, mental and social effects of marijuana and other illicit drugs on young users? Young people who learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to try drugs than their peers who learn nothing from their parents. Look for teachable moments in everyday life to keep the conversation ongoing. For suggestions on how to start a conversation with your teen visit the Early Intervention area on this Web site.

3. Monitor Your Teen's Activities and Behaviors:

Have you checked to see where your teen is, who he is with, and what he is doing? Teens who are not regularly monitored by their parents are four times more likely to use drugs. Sometimes surprise your teen by checking up to make sure they are where they say they are. For a list of detailed warning signs to watch for, visit the Drug Information section on this Web site.

4. Make Sure You Stay Involved in Your Teen's Life:

Have you talked to your teen’s coach, employer and friends lately? Stay in touch with the adult supervisors of your child (camp counselors, coaches, employers) and have them inform you of any changes in your teen.

5. Engage Your Teen in Summer Activities:

Have you helped plan activities to keep your teen busy? Research shows that teens who are involved in constructive and adult-supervised activities are less likely to use drugs.

6. Reserve Time for Family:

Have you planned a family activity with your teen in the coming weeks, such as going to the movies together. Teens who spend time, talk and have a close relationship with their parents are much less likely to drink, take drugs or have sex.

SOURCE: PARENTS: THE ANTI-DRUGCTCADA offers both adolescent intervention and treatment programs. Education, individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and referral to other resources are all part of a comprehensive effort to prevent or intervene in youth alcohol and drug abuse. Call us at 254-690-4455!