What Our Kids are Saying About...
The Fall 2007 series of reports targets parents and those working with youth. Research of the PPAAUS 2006 data was carried out by Kenneth Steinman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of the Ohio State University College of Public Health. Dr. Steinman presented his findings which were open to the public in one hour presentations during October, November and December, 2007.
Those presentations, an article about the findings, and a one-page recommendation of parental action are available below. Please share this information about Franklin County 6 – 12 grade youth with parents, colleagues, your church, service clubs, the media and schools, and others who are interested in the well-being of young people.
Parents Influence on Adolescent Drug Use
Read the Research Brief
Parent Tip:
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT USING ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND OTHER DRUGS
The experts say to combine words with action:
- Give them a clear message of no drug use.
- Increase the frequency of your messages like:
- I don’t approve…
- I’ll be upset if…
- You’ll let me down if…
- You’ll lose these privileges if…
Advice for your child on how to say no to drugs:
- No, thanks. It’s not for me.
- I could get kicked off the team if anyone found out.
- I tried drinking and I threw up.
- Why would I want to mess up a good thing?
- That’s illegal. I don’t want to get into trouble.
How Many of Their Peers Smoke and Drink
Read the Research Brief
Parent Tip:
How to talk to your kids about norms…
Ask and Discuss:
How many kids in your school do you think use regularly?
What about your friends…do you think they use regularly?
Reinforce:
- Your Message
- Your Family Values
- Your Expectations
Remember:
Kids often believe that more kids are doing drugs than is actually the case. That sometimes means that they will try drugs in an attempt to fit in. Here are some phrases you can tell you child:
Fewer kids use drugs than you might think.
Besides, you don’t need drugs to be cool.
I’m not interested in what other kids are doing.
I know I don’t want you using drugs.*
*Keeping Your Kids DRUG-FREE, National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign,
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Driving While Impaired
Read the Research Brief
Parent Tip:
How to talk to your kids about Driving While Impaired
- Establish the guidelines about driving impaired and riding with impaired drivers.
- Have clear rules.
- Set specific consequences for breaking them.
- Be sure and follow-up if the rules are broken.
Suggested Strategies:
- Before your child starts driving, write a letter to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (P.O. Box 16520 Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520) revoking your child’s driver’s license if he/she ever drives impaired. Show it to your child and tell him/her that it is his/her choice if you ever have to send the letter.
- Tell your teen that if he/she is EVER in a situation where the driver is impaired, call you and you will come pick him/her up, no questions asked that night -- or whatever you and your child have agreed upon as the ground rules.
- Tell your teen to always use you as the excuse for not driving impaired or riding with an impaired driver…e.g., My parents would kill me if I ride with you!
Be a good role model – never drive impaired.
When and Where They Use
Read the Research Brief
Parent Tip:
HOW TO MONITOR YOUR TEENS ACTIVITIES
MONITORING is keeping tabs on your teens and plugging into their lives. It includes knowing:
- Where they are
- Who they are with
- What they are doing
- When they will be home
There are several important parenting steps that will help make MONITORING your teen easier and more successful.
- Having a close relationship with your teen – let them know you’re interested in them.
- Setting specific expectations and “house rules” and make sure they know them.
- Setting specific consequences for breaking the rules; be consistent with follow-through.
Tips for MONITORING:
- Tell your teen that you will be monitoring them.
- Monitor your teen’s physical and mental health.
- Be respectful – ask, don’t interrogate.
- Check on your teen at home – monitor the medicine cabinet.
- Make a rule – “no parents, no party.”
- Require your teen to check in with you when they get home at night.
- Be involved in your teen’s school and activities.
- Tell them they can always call you if they ever feel unsafe.
- Know where and how they spend their money.
- Monitor your teen’s activities online.
- If you suspect trouble, make surprise visits to confirm that they are where they aid they would be.
Source: Navigating the Teen Years, Office of National Drug Control Policy; 1-800-788-2800 or www.TheAntiDrug.com