New Study Finds Teens Have Risky Definitions of "Safe Driving"

A startling report from Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD on teen driving behaviors

According to new survey findings from Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD, there is a sharp disconnect between teens' acknowledgment of dangerous driving behaviors and their actions behind the wheel. The survey found that while teens are able to identify dangerous driving behaviors, they seem to have a different definition of what it actually means to engage in these potentially deadly behaviors.

"Under the Influence"

• The majority (86%) of teens consider driving under the influence of alcohol extremely or very distracting.
• However, 10% of teens who say they never drive under the influence admit they occasionally drive after having one drink.

Defining "Safe"

• Almost half of teens (47%) admit to using a designated driver as a safe alternative to impaired driving.
• However, 21% of teens define their designated driver as allowed to have "a little" alcohol or other drugs, as long as they aren't too impaired to drive.

 Texting/Talking Behind the Wheel

• Nearly all teens (96%) understand that using a cell phone (talking or texting) while driving is at least a little distracting.
• However, 47% of the teen drivers who say they never text while driving still admit to texting at a red light or stop sign.

What can parents do?  Have ongoing conversations with your teen about responsible driving and always model appropriate driving behaviors when you are behind the wheel.  Remember, your teen watches and learns from you! 

• For more survey findings, read the full press release.
• Use this Risky Driving Infographic to talk with your teen about safe driving.
• A Parent/Teen Driving Contract is a helpful tool to establish driving rules and expectations.

Teens: Stressed, Overwhelmed, and Depressed

A snapshot of today's teens and how parents can help

The 2014 American Psychological Association "Stress in America" survey found that teens are experiencing stress at higher levels than adults. Teens also reported significant levels of feeling overwhelmed (31%), depressed or sad (30%), and fatigued or tired (36%). Nearly one-quarter (23%) skipped meals because of stress.

Not surprisingly, many teens do not think that there is a relationship between stress and physical and mental health. In fact, one-half of teens surveyed reported that stress has slight or no impact on other measures of health.

On April 30, Families for Depression Awareness will host a Teen Depression Webinar to help parents, teachers, school counselors/staff, and youth workers recognize depression in teens and help them.

• Learn more about Families for Depression Awareness
• Learn more or register for the Teen Depression Webinar
• Additional teen depression information and parent resources

Coming Next Month ... 

Check us out in May for our PTM feature article by SADD Student of the Year Patrick Stepp from Indiana! And if there is anything else you would like to see or learn more about, please let us know at info@parentteenmatters.org and we'll include it in an upcoming newsletter. Don't forget to visit us at ParentTeenMatters.org for parent news, resources and information.

Check out the April Calendar!Learn more. Get involved.

There are a lot of great opportunities for parents and teens to work together to raise awareness about important youth issues and to promote overall healthy and positive decision-making.  Here are a few:

April 2014

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), thousands die needlessly each year because people continue to use their cell phones while driving.  The NSC has pulled together dozens of amazing resources for parents, teens, and communities, including webinars, pledge materials, fact sheets, and videos.  To learn more, click here.

April 11 - 13, 2104

Global Youth Service Day is the only day of service dedicated to recognizing the contributions that young people around the world make to their communities each day of the year. Teens can create a new project or search for an existing project. Plus, parents can sign a pledge to support kids and teens who are making a difference or sign up to receive GYSD updates. Click here to get involved!

April 24, 2014

Text, Talk, Act to

This hour-long event uses text messaging to get people talking about mental health and to encourage them to take action. Through this event, young people can have a conversation with their peers and give voice to an issue that can otherwise be difficult for them to speak about. Click here to learn how to participate in the event, and for FAQs and other resources.

April 26, 2014

National Prescription Drug

Take-Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Click here to find a take-back site near you.

Share your story!

We'd love to hear from you!  Email PTM at info@parentteenmatters.org and tell us what you did this month, how you got involved, what resources you used, or what you learned. Your story can inspire other parents! 

News from MADD

Survey shows importance of No Alcohol message to teens  

New data from a national MADD survey of high school students shows that teens who receive a message from their parents that underage drinking is completely unacceptable are more than 80 percent less likely to drink than teens who receive any other message. (To read the full press release, click here).

MADD released this new data in conjunction with PowerTalk 21 (April 21), the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol.

To help parents get ready for campaign day (and to continue the conversation afterwards), MADD developed these parent resources and materials:

• PowerTalk 21 infographic 
• Power of Parents handbook 
• 21 Days in Support of 21 (community events) 
• Power21 Webinar workshops (in English and Spanish)

Don't forget!  April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Learn more.