by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
(June 11, 2008) A new study released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation found that when parents discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse with their teens, they actually listen.
“The drug abuse landscape teens face today – which includes abuse of prescription and over-thecounter medicines – is drastically different than when today’s parents were teens,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership.
“We know that parents are the greatest point of leverage in preventing drug and alcohol abuse, and this survey reinforces the fact that kids live up to parents’ expectations as well as down to them.”
The study found that only 16 percent of teens whose parents set a zero tolerance policy said they were likely to us drugs or alcohol, while 45 percent of teens whose parents did not set such boundaries said they were likely to drink or use drugs, particularly at prom or graduation parties. The problem is that parents too often let their own personal experiences with alcohol and drugs influence the rules and limits they set for teens. For instance, the survey found that parents who drank or used drugs at their own proms or graduation events were likely to be more permissive with their kids than those who didn’t.
“Among parents who drank or used drugs on these occasions, 66 percent set a ‘zero tolerance policy’ for their teens. Among parents who did not drink or use drugs, that number jumps up to 87 percent of parents who set hard rules about drinking and drugs for their kids,” the study found. The survey also found that 66 percent of teens said they feel pressured to use drugs or alcohol at parties. However, when teens are taught about the risks at home, other Partnership studies found that almost half are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Unfortunately, only a third of the teens say they’re getting this message from their parents. “By talking with their teens often about the dangers of drug abuse, parents can protect their kids and help them live healthy drug-free lives,” said Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation. “These survey findings serve as an important reminder that what parents choose to
discuss with their teens can have an impact on the actions their children take.”
The Partnership recommends that before big events like prom or graduation, parents should talk to their teen about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. They might also get in touch with the parents of their teen’s friends to be sure they’re not serving alcohol at their houses.
Some parents say, “I’d rather my kids drink at home where I know they’re safe” – but this can open the door to other kids drinking and potentially driving under the influence of alcohol, the report states. In some communities, this exposes the parents who serve alcohol to legal liability for accidents related to drugs or alcohol consumed at their house.
The bottom line is to warn kids about the dangers before it’s too late.
“When parents talk, most teens actually do listen,” said Pasierb. “Many parents feel overwhelmed and conflicted about setting hard rules about drug and alcohol use, especially if they drank or used drugs as a teen – but they must set clear, non-negotiable rules. We urge parents to not only talk with their kids, but to encourage fellow parents to follow suit and enforce the same rules.”
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Experts say teens are more than willing to rise to the challenge of a moral life – if only someone would challenge them! In “The Virtues: Teens and the Joy-Filled Life” author Mary Ann Budnik tells you how to help your teen strive for the moral high ground.
