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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: 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.
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