Page 82 - May-June-July Life In Naples
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SUMMER IS A PEAK TIME
FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG TEENS.
Parents are encouraged to develop a summer plan with this in mind.
W ith summer upon us, students, teachers and #3 Monitor where your children are, who they are with
parents look forward to a break from the busy
school year. By the time June hits, most people and what they are planning to do. If any part of their plan
look forward to slowing down and enjoying a changes, instruct them to let you know.
laid back summer. Although this sounds like a good plan,
prevention experts suggest it’s in our child’s best interest #4 If you are not able to be home with them, consider
to stay active during the summer especially since research
shows that June and July are the riskiest months of the year hiring a trusted college-age “buddy” to check in on them or
for first time drug and alcohol use among youth. hang-out with them for short periods of time.
Why summer? To put it simply: too much time on #5 BEWARE of summer parties and do NOT allow
youths’ hands, combined with lack of supervision, equals
trouble. your children to attend one where underage drinking is
planned, even under the “agreement” that they will not
drink.This is legally risky and the peer pressure may
overcome their better judgment. No matter how much you
ACCORDING TO THE SUBSTANCE “trust” your son or daughter, it is never wise to put any child
ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES in such a position.
ADMINISTRATION:
#6 If your teen finds themselves at a party where alcohol
• Each day during the SCHOOL YEAR, about 8,000
adolescents take their first drink of alcohol. Compare or other drugs come out, talk to them about an exit plan
that to the average SUMMER day, where about 11,000 where they can call you day or night for a safe getaway.
adolescents take their first drink of alcohol.
• Each day during the SCHOOL YEAR, about 3,000 #7 Lead by example. Show your children that a fun,
to 4,000 youth smoke cigarettes or marijuana for the first
time. Compare that to the average SUMMER day, where summer party does not have to include alcohol. And if you
about 4,500 youth smoke cigarettes or marijuana for the choose to drink at a gathering, drink in moderation and
first time. let your children see that you are not driving. For better or
• As for students who have already begun drinking and worse, they are watching and learning.
smoking, many are known to indulge more often and more
heavily during June and July. #8 Remind them to never ride in a car, boat or any other
PARENTS, HERE ARE SOME VALUABLE TIPS motor vehicle with a driver who is under the influence of
TO HELP ENSURE THAT YOUR any substance.
TEEN’S SUMMER ISN’T “WASTED”:
#9 Get to know your children’s friends and their parents.
#1 Make clear your expectations for your children not to
You may be surprised to learn that some families are
drink or use other drugs. not on the same page as you when it comes to underage
consumption of alcohol or other drug use.
#2 Supervise tweens and even teens as much as possible.
#10 Help them create structure for their days, whether it
Set house rules for who is allowed and not allowed in your
home when you are not.Then, check in regularly. is getting a fun, part-time summer job; volunteering; taking
part in an educational class, workshop or adventure camps,
etc. Help them discover what interests them.
Sources: Drug Free Action Alliance, Know! Your Summer
Plan of Action, June 2013; Narconon: Keeping your teen drug
and alcohol free this summer, 2013.
Visit www.DrugFreeCollier.org for additional prevention
resources.
82 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016
