Every year during Spring Break, Central Florida teenagers head to the beach. Many of them hope to spend days lounging in the
sun and nights drinking with their friends. However,
a lot of these fun-seeking teenagers also end up engaging in unprotected sex, binge
drinking, and risking their personal safety while under the influence
of alcohol or illicit drugs.
Parents can help to keep their teenagers safe during these upcoming activities by taking these important steps, according to SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information:
Talk with your child by calmly explaining your feelings about substance
use and allow your child to talk about any questions or concerns he or
she may have. Remember that communication involves not only speaking,
but also listening to the child's opinions and emotions. Let him or her know you do not approve of
illicit drug and alcohol use because it is dangerous. Be firm, but
nonjudgmental. Your child is too important to succumb to the risks of
alcohol and drugs!
Be especially careful about letting your child drive or ride in a
car with other teenagers during school-end events. Parents need to
discuss all aspects of teenage driving with their children. You must
set rules for your teenagers about talking on cell phones, carrying
other teenagers as passengers, and curfews. Read on ...
