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Young Alcohol Users Often Get Alcohol from Family or Home
According to combined 2006 to 2009 data from the the National Survey  on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 709,000 youths aged 12 to 14 (5.9 percent) drank alcohol in the past month. Almost all of these adolescents (93.4 percent) received their alcohol for free the last time they drank, and 44.8 percent (about 317,000) got the alcohol for free from their family or at home. These results suggest that family members can play a direct and important role in reducing young adolescents' access to alcohol, preventing not only underage drinking but also the early onset of other associated behavioral health problems. For more information on action steps parents can take to prevent underage drinking, visit the ParentTeen Matters website. Visit SAMHSA's website for more information on underage drinking prevention efforts. |
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Staying Safe During Prom and Graduation Season
Tips for Parents From SADD Students
Statistics show that Prom and Graduation season is one of the most dangerous times for teens. Below are tips from teens about how to help keep them safe.
If your teen asks to attend a party ...
- Let your teens know your views on underage drinking. SADD's Teens Today Research shows that parental disapproval is the number one reason why teens choose not to drink.
- It might be difficult to start the conversation, but it's so important; for tips to help start a conversation visit ParentTeenMatters.org.
- Talk to other parents who are involved with the party.
- Ask your teen questions. Be aware that teens don't always share all the facts voluntarily, so don't overlook details. Tell them ahead of time that you will be following up with other parents, and then make sure to do it.
- Sign the Contract for Life and make sure the lines of communication are open.
Visit the ParentTeen Matters website for more tips or read SADD CEO, Stephen Wallace's opinion-editorial on prom and graduation season.
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Are your Kids Being Digitally Harassed?
What Is Digital Harassment?
Digital harassment is when kid s and teens use cell phones, social networks, and other communications devices to bully, threaten, and aggressively badger someone. Digital harassment is a subgroup of cyberbullying and usually takes place between two people in a romantic relationship.
Why It Matters
Digital harassment has real consequences for those who've been targeted. A 2009 poll conducted by MTV and the Associated Press found that targets of this kind of abuse are more likely to consider dropping out of school, engage in risky behavior, and even think about suicide.
What You Can Do
Parents can support their teens by understanding that relationships these days are often played out both online and in public -- and kids need their parents' guidance in establishing appropriate boundaries for healthy relationships. Young love is complicated enough without the added pressure of constant access and public scrutiny. Click here for tips that can help you help your kids navigate these murky waters so they can avoid digital drama for themselves and their friends.
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Tips For Keeping Your Teens Drug and Alcohol Free
 Navigating the teen years can be difficult, but research shows that kids who learn from their parents about the dangers of underage drinking, drugs, dangerous driving, and other risky behaviors are less likely to engage in them.
Many parents worry that they are no longer the most influential force in their child's life. But the reality is that teens need (and secretly want) your help and guidance.
To help parents communicate the risks associated with drug use and other risky behaviors, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign offers parents several resources, including a parenting handbook, "Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent's Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens."
To learn more about the efforts of SADD's partner, the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy, visit their website.
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