15+   — Make Time to Listen; Take Time to Talk
March (K-6)

Make Time to Listen…Take Time to Talk about Peer Pressure

2006 Press Release from White House Office of National Drug Control Policy:

"More teens than ever are putting themselves at risk during Spring Break. According to travel industry experts, an estimated one in seven (15%) young people on Spring Break party destinations are high school students. Even teens who stay at home can be at risk. Unsupervised time, money to spend, and peer pressure to "have fun" can be a recipe for risky behaviors, including drug use.

A recent report shows that more teens start using marijuana, cigarettes, and alcohol for the first time between the spring and summer month - prime time for teens on Spring Break and time unsupervised by parents or teachers. Further, teen girls are at an even greater risk than boys when it comes to engaging in risky behaviors.

While many people associate Spring Break with college age kids, the ONDCP is urging parents of high schools teens to know the risks associated with this time of year, before they agree to send their child on unsupervised holidays. Whether your child is going away or staying home, parents need to know what to do to keep their teens healthy and drug-free.

1. SET RULES, especially no drinking or drugs. Spring break should not mean a break from responsibility.
2. PREPARE your teen. Walk through different scenarios and discuss how to handle pressures, including offers of drugs or alcohol and other risky situations.
3. KEEP MONITORING - Know your teen's itinerary and where he/she is staying. If they are staying at home, know how they spend their unsupervised time. Ask questions. Require a daily check in via cell phone and make sure your teen is reachable. Make sure to have their friend's cell phone numbers as well. Network and connect with other parents to confirm plans and coordinate ground rules.

It's important that parents resist the impulse to just do what their teen wants. You're the parent. You are not alone if you're uncomfortable sending your teen on a week vacation to Cancun. This just shows that your parental instincts are intact. Generally, adult supervision is inadequate during Spring Break trips. Research is clear- parental monitoring is a key parenting tool that can reduce youth risky behavior. Rely on your parental judgment, ask questions, and talk to other parents. Put a stop to the trip if you are uneasy with the amount of adult supervision or structure that will be provided. An alternative activity would be a community service project. Research shows that parents are a powerful deterrent to drug or alcohol use, even when teens are far from home." For more resources, go to www.theantidrug.com.