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High School News
Try Parent Pressure to Keep Teens Safe at Parties
Greetings
from PCN- And a Special Message
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Try Parent Pressure to Keep Teens Safe at PartiesTeen drug and alcohol use isn’t just a teen problem—it’s a parent problem. This startling fact comes from a new report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. The statistics are sobering. By the time teens reach the age of 17, nearly half have been to a party where teens were drinking, smoking pot or using cocaine—while parents were present. Even so, the presence of a parent is helpful. Teens reported that alcohol is 16 times more likely to be present at a party where parents were not in the house. And illegal drugs are 15 times more likely to be at an unsupervised party. Teens say their parents are basically clueless about what goes on. While nearly all parents (80 percent) say their teens don’t go to parties where alcohol or drugs are available, teens don’t agree. Nearly half say they have attended such parties. Virtually all parents say they are home when their teen has a party. Yet one-third of teens say that’s not so. Perhaps what’s needed in this case is some peer pressure—for parents. Before your teen attends a party, call the host’s parents. Ask if they will be at home. Ask what they will do to make sure no alcohol or drugs are available at the party.
Address Cutting Class by Going to School
Your teen cut math class - again. Between you and her teacher, you are
nearly out of options. In a case like that, it may be time for serious
measures. Tell your teen that the next time she misses class you will go
to school with her. This is a real threat. It’s embarrassing enough for
teens to admit they even have parents. But having parents show up
in school is something they’ll avoid at all costs. You can’t just appear
in math class, of course. Set up a face-to-face meeting with her teachers
and the principal. Explain what you’re going to do. Ask them to call you
the next time your teen misses a class If you’re worried about missing work, talk with your boss. Explain what you’re trying to do. Many bosses will work with you to solve this problem.
Keeping on Track as the Calendar Turns Toward SpringMotivation has a
way of going down as the temperature starts going up, especially for
seniors. Teens may need more encouragement and structure to fulfill their
responsibilities. Some ideas: v Make sure your teen has a place to do homework. You and your teen probably did this at the beginning of the year. Still, many families find their teen starts to “spread out” his work all over the house as the year goes on. v Have your teen write out a homework schedule and post it where he can easily see it. v Make lists. These include assignments to be done, materials needed and test dates. v Ask if you can help. You should never do homework for a child of any age, but you can help in other ways. For example: Stop by the library on your lunch hour and pick up a book your teen needs. v Remind your teen to “work first.” Teens like to choose for themselves when they will do homework. But what if homework falls victim to screen time? It’s time to step in.
Spring is here and we are all feeling the desire to get outside and do something. It is also a time of the year when kids are spending more time with their peers and may be exposed to alcohol or other drugs. For our high school students spring is known as a “high risk” time because of prom and graduation celebrations. I have included a portion of the SAMHSA “Family Guide to Keeping Youth Healthy” because I do believe parental involvement and education is a key to keeping our young people safe and healthy. Please use these resources. The PCN board knows parenting is an important job and we all need support! Darcy Jensen and the PCN Board ‘Kids are flooded with media messages that glamorize alcohol use. They also may be pressured by peers to drink. However, as a parent you have enormous influence on the choices your teen makes. Take action: if you find alcohol in your teen’s room or backpack, or smell alcohol on his breath, do not ignore it. Communication with your teen is the key to preventing underage alcohol use. Here’s what parents can do: 1) Learn about
the warning signs and how alcohol use can harm your teen’s mind, body, and
emotions. Remember, as parents, the earlier you start talking to your child about drinking, the more influence you may have on their values and decisions. Several short conversations are better than one long lecture. And finally, let them know how proud you are of the good decisions they make.
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© 2004 Sioux Falls Parent Communication Network |