Summer is the time...when some of the best childhood memories are created. Children have fewer responsibilities, more time to play with friends, and the exercise combined with the warm sun uplifts their moods. This is the time when kids are most able to be kids. But, they also have less adult supervision, which unfortunately opens the opportunity for experimentation with problem behaviors. Teens are more likely to try their first cigarette, first drink, or experience their first high during early summer than any other time during the year. Fortunately though, there are things you can do as parents to significantly decrease the chance your teens will use substances or engage in other problem behaviors.
It is always important to know where your teens are and who they’re with. This can become more difficult during the summer, especially if both parents work at the same time or if there is only one parent in the home. You can call to check up on your teens when you’re at work and ask that they call you before going anywhere or inviting friends over. Make sure your teens know what your rules are and remind them of those rules. Set consequences in case the rules are broken and be sure to follow through with the consequences.
It is also important to talk with your teens about not using substances. Teens whose parents have discussions with them about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are 50% less likely to begin using those substances. Find opportunities to talk with them when you know your teens are listening, such as while riding in the car. Sometimes teens feel more comfortable talking about others than they do about themselves so you might get the conversation started and keep it going by asking them about what they hear other teens doing, or about how wrong they think it is for teens to be using substances.
One new drug trend that not all parents know about yet is
abuse of cough
medication. Some teens are getting high from large doses and
can hallucinate if they take enough of it. This is dangerous, addicting,
and damaging to their brains. Keep track of your cough medication or
lock it up even if you are confident your teen will not abuse it. There
are some teens who befriend others simply to get into their medicine
cabinets.
The Havana Area Prevention Team is working on addressing cough medication abuse and will be releasing information shortly before school starts in the fall. If you have any questions or concerns about this trend please contact one of the following:
Jason Blanchette, Community Prevention Coordinator from Chestnut Health Systems: 309-451-7794 or jblanchette@chestnut.org.
Nina Krueger, Assistant Director of the Mason County Health Department: 309-543-2201
Lyn Pedigo, Chief Probation Officer of Mason County: 309-543-3293
