Talk Early And Often About Alcohol, Tobacco And Other Drugs. Even When It Gets Tough
   Parent Tip
Know! The Key To A Safe and Drug-Free Spring Break


Spring Break is highly anticipated for most children, as they look forward to some time off school. But for many parents this means kids at home alone or kids hanging out with their friends. In either case, supervision is the “key” to keeping your child safe, as research shows that unsupervised tweens are three times more likely to engage in risky behaviors like smoking, drinking and using other drugs (1).

 

For lots of tweens, spring break will be their first experience being without an adult for an extended period of time each day. Let’s talk about some other “firsts” (2).

 

Everyday, 8,000 kids take their first drink of alcohol.

Everyday, 8,000 kids use an illicit drug for the first time.

Everyday, 6,000 kids smoke marijuana for the first time.

Everyday, 2,000 kids try their first prescription painkiller (for non-medical purposes).

 

To avoid these “firsts” for your child this spring break:

  • Safeguard all over-the-counter and prescription medications
  • Lock the liquor cabinet and make any other alcohol inaccessible
  • Make clear your expectations regarding smoking, drinking and using other drugs
  • Set rules as to which friends (if any) are allowed over while you’re gone
  • Know where your child is and who he/she is with at all times
  • Check in with your child throughout the day with a quick call or text

Do your best to reserve some time with your child this break, even if it’s just an evening at the movies or family game night at home. The more involved you are, the closer your child will feel to you. And kids who are close with their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors (3).

 

(1) TheAntiDrug.Com: Monitoring Skills. (2) National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services: SAMHSA, 2008 (3) TheAntiDrug.Com: Teens and Free Time.

Talking regularly with kids reduces their risk of using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Know! urges you to encourage other parents to joining Know! by taking the Parent and Caregiver Pledge. For more information log on to www.HelpThemKnow.com or call 1-866-999-KNOW.

Know! is a program of:

Drug-Free Action Alliance
6185 Huntley Road, Suite P
Columbus, Ohio 43229

With funding support from:
United Way of Central Ohio