DON'T LET YOUR TEEN'S SUMMER
GO TO POT:
PARENT TIPS
Summer can be a risky time
for teens. More teens smoke marijuana for the first time in the
summer months of June and July than any other time of the year.
Every summer day, more than 5,800 teens try marijuana for the
first time. This is equal to the enrollment of eight average-sized
U.S. high schools.
And marijuana is more harmful than many parents think. It can
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 can be addictive and more kids are
in drug treatment for marijuana than for all other illicit drugs
combined. Teens using marijuana are also more likely to take
risks, such as having sex, engaging in violence, riding with
someone who's driving high or using alcohol or other drugs.
So how can you stop your teen's summer from going to pot? Here
is a list of S-U-M-M-E-R tips -- simple things parents (and adult
influencers) can do and say to help prevent their teen from using
marijuana this summer.
Parent Tips:
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1. Set rules: Let your
child 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: Take time to learn the facts about
marijuana and talk to your teen about its harmful health, social,
learning and mental effects on young users.
3. Make sure you know where your teen is: Know where your teen
will be and what they will be doing during unsupervised time.
Research shows that teens with unsupervised time are three times
more likely to use marijuana or other drugs. Unsupervised teens
are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as underage
drinking, sexual activity and cigarette smoking.
4. Make sure you know who your teen is with: Get to know your
teen's friends and their parents by inviting them over for dinner
or talking with them at your teen's soccer practice, dance rehearsal
or other activities. 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. Warning signs of
drug use include distance from family and existing friends, hanging
out with a new circle of friends, lack of interest in personal
appearance, or changes in eating or sleeping habits.
5. Engage your teen in summer activities: Enroll your child in
a supervised summer camp, educational program, or a summer sports
league. Research shows that teens who are involved in constructive,
adult-supervised activities are less likely to use drugs.
6. Reserve time for family: Spend time together as a family regularly