Let's Talk Summer Safety
Keep it real, keep it fun, keep it safe
Teens love summer and who can blame them? Warm weather, relaxed schedules, and extra time with friends makes this time of year a welcome change for everyone. But parents, don't let your guard down. With summer also comes increased risks for teens - some serious (sun exposure, food poisoning) and some very serious (alcohol use, car crashes).
So whether you're letting your son drive to the beach with friends or letting your daughter host a pool party at your house, these resources will help you and your teen put safety first!
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For sun safety tips, your local UV forecast, and what you need to know about skin cancer prevention, check out sunsafetyalliance.org.
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Before your teen packs a lunch for the beach or plans a backyard BBQ, watch these PSAs on food safety from the AdCouncil.
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Spell out the Rules. Start here at nhtsa.gov to talk with your teen about the rules of the road.
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For 5 Safe Summer Driving Tips for Your Teen, visit
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SADD Students Participate in Youth Advocacy Institute and Capitol Hill Briefing on Traffic Safety
Mobilizing students to become effective advocates for youth traffic safety programs
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From July 22-25, 22 SADD ambassadors from 16 states were in Washington D.C. to promote greater awareness of the youth perspective on public policy issues related to traffic safety. According to the CDC, in 2010, seven teens ages 16-19 died every day from motor vehicle crashes.
SADD was proud to host its annual SADD SPEAKs (Students for Policy, Education, Advocacy and Knowledge) advocacy institute in our nation's capital to train SADD leaders in the policy process around traffic safety. The students learned from panels of government and industry experts, hosted a policy briefing on Capitol Hill keynoted by NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, and visited their elected officials to discuss the importance of peer-to-peer involvement in teen traffic safety planning.
The student leaders will take the skills and knowledge acquired from this unique training opportunity back to their own communities and work to influence federal and state policy at the local level.
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Families for Depression Awareness
A resource for parents to prevent, recognize, and manage teen depression
Depression begins in adolescence; the average onset age of depression is 14. Teen depression is common - by the end of their teen years 20% will have had depression. Depression is treatable - more than 70% of teens improve with a combination of medication and therapy.
Families for Depression Awareness is a national nonprofit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides. Founder & President Julie Totten established the organization after losing her brother to suicide. Her tireless efforts have helped families recognize and manage depression and eliminate the stigma associated with depressive disorders.
Their website has a special Teen/Kids section dedicated to helping parents and teens understand teen depression. You can learn about the warning signs and find fact sheets, prevention tips, parenting strategies, and other valuable resources.
For more information, visit
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Prevent Teen Partying with Strong Parenting
What would you do?
The following scenario was featured in a recent Chicago Tribune Ask Amy advice column and in other newspapers nationwide.
Dear Amy,
My oldest son is a junior in high school (almost 17). He is a decent student, but we have had several issues since last summer regarding partying (drinking and smoking pot).
As far as we know, he is honest with us regarding what he does. As parents, we have had many discussions about why partying of any kind is not good at his age. We do not condone it.
He tells us kids drink much more than he does. In fact, he says he doesn't like beer but does like to smoke pot - weekends with his friends.
He knows our stance on the subject, but told me today that he cannot wait to go to a party this weekend and smoke pot.
We are at our wits' end. I appreciate his candor but fear his behavior will catch up with him in a bad way. Is booting him out of the house the answer? I don't want to!
TIRED MOTHER
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~ What would you do if this were your teen?
~ What advice would you give to this mother?
~ Have you already talked with your teen about not drinking or using drugs?
~ Do you have different opinions about drinking alcohol than smoking pot?
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Having these conversations with your teen can be hard, but the consequences of not having them can be devastating.
Here's how to get started:
Time to Act! - When you think or know that your teen is using alcohol or drugs.
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News You Can Use
What's trending in teen drug abuse prevention?
In a fast-paced world, it can be a challenge to keep up with the latest news and trends - especially information about what's going on with teens. Here are two recent news headlines that parents should be aware of and resources to help you talk with your teen about preventing these risky behaviors.
TEENS AND MARIJUANA
A new nationally representative survey released by The Partnership at DrugFree.org finds that parents who support marijuana legalization expect strict regulation of its availability to kids.
Among the report's highlights:
- While 40% of the adults surveyed support legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes, the majority oppose any legal use for teens and adults under 21.
- Over 80% of parents believe marijuana advertising should still be banned.
- Parents' greatest concern about the risks of marijuana use are the developmental consequences on teens and the potential impact on their future.
TEENS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
According to the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS):
- 1 in 8 teens (13%) report that they have taken the stimulants Ritalin or Adderall when it was not prescribed for them, at least once in their lifetime.
- 1 in 4 teens (24% in 2012) report having misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime (up from 18% in 2008).
- 1 of 3 teens (33%) say they believe "it's OK to use prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them to deal with an injury, illness, or physical pain."
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