Give Them the Right Facts

Instead of trying to threaten your child into being afraid of drugs and alcohol, talk to them about the facts.  Do not exaggerate the facts, but give them the truth.  In the most recent surveys it is shown that teen drug use is declining compared to the year before, so efforts taken by parents and education are paying off.  Make sure that your children realize that you are aware of what will go on.  Here are some facts that will help you when talking to your child about drugs.

• About 1 in 4 students in junior high or high school will use some type of illegal drug this year.
• It is likely that 20% of your child’s peers have used marijuana in the past month.
• Prescription drugs are continuing to show a threat to students and about 1 in every 10 students will take a prescription medication that is not their own.

You can help your child open up to you about the dangers of drugs in high school and junior high.  Just remember to share the appropriate information with them and to talk to them about real reasons that drugs are not a good choice.  Remind them that drinking and driving could result in them not being able to drive for years.  Also remind them that getting caught with drugs could prevent them from getting into the college that they want to attend or could even cost them scholarship opportunities.