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Injury Prevention |
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The support of a caring parent or adult is very important in a teen's development, and can help to:
- Promote correct information; giving accurate information helps reduce the harm associated with alcohol/drug use
- Discuss issues, values and expectations
- Encourage healthy decision making
Kids need to know you support and believe in them. Parents are still a powerful influence on teen's attitudes and behaviours toward alcohol and marijuana use.
Having a healthy adult - youth relationship helps teens see you, and use you, as a reliable and valuable source of information (yes, they will still consult their friends and the Internet!). Your relationship with your teen can influence their behaviour.
Teens can reduce their chances of being offered alcohol or drugs by hanging out with friends or peers who are less likely to use these substances, or spend time in places where they are less likely to encounter alcohol or drug use.
- Know what your teen is doing
- Get to know your teen's friends
- Get to know the parent(s) of your teen's friends
- If there is a party planned, call the parent(s) of your teen's friends for details
- Be available to help your teen plan to party safer
Adults can create safe environments for youth and have high, positive expectations for them.
This supports youth as they practice skills such as planning priorities
and making age-appropriate decisions. Skills such as these builds
their "resilience" or strengths and capacities.
These skills can be used to overcome obstacles in other situations.
Successes and learning from mistakes help teens develop confidence in themselves and their ability to thrive in adult life.
In adolescence, teens start to develop a social conscience and a passion for causes. Adults can provide opportunities for youth to develop and demonstrate their abilities in school and community life. For example, teens can join a school team, after school club or a youth group associated with a religion.
When youth feel they have meaningful involvement, they develop a sense of community, hope and optimism for the future.
Strong connections provide stability for teens. Research shows that youth who have a strong connection to their family and/or their school/religion are less likely to smoke marijuana or drink at a young age.
Make time each day to listen to your teen. Keep this conversation casual. Focus on connecting, not lecturing.
Recommended resources
More tips on connecting with your teen
What parents need to know about teens: facts, myths and strategies
Building self-esteem and resilience in your child
Teens, Alcohol & Marijuana: Stay a Step Ahead
Last updated April 2011
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