Q. When it comes to substance use; drinking,
weed, vapes… if teens know it’s wrong, illegal and their parents would
disapprove, then why do you think they do it?
A. I think teens are using because there is a
lot of pressure on them about school and their grades from their parents and
peers.
A. I don't think teens really get that it’s
wrong.
A. Peer pressure. Stress and Anxiety. The need for popularity. To cope with their problems.
A. Teens don’t care, they just want to be cool,
show off to their friends, rebel against their parents and try to de-stress.
A. I think teens do it despite knowing the
consequences because of the “coolness” factor.
I do think it depends on your friend group though.
A. There are a few reasons; to try to cover
their problems or mask their emotions, or it could be they are trying to boost
their social status.
A. Kids are interested in conforming to the
social norms of their friend group. If
someone’s friends are doing drugs, they are more likely to do so as well.
Q. Do you think teens understand or are aware of
the affects, the harm, the consequences of using these substances?
VAPES:
A.
Teens think vapes are a safe alternative to
smoking.
A.
Teens don’t understand that vapes contain
nicotine or harmful chemicals. They
think it’s just water.
A.
Most
teens believe vapes have no harmful effects, but it is really building a
foundation for addiction.
MARIJANA:
A.
I
think teens think marijuana is safe because it is natural.
A.
Teens
know you can’t OD on marijuana and that makes then believe there is no harm.
A.
Teens
are very aware of marijuana, it’s very prevalent. Unfortunately, it is also a very addictive
substance.
ALCOHOL:
A.
I
think teens think that because alcohol is a legal substance it is safe for
them.
A.
Many
do know the risks, but just don’t care, because there is so much peer pressure.
A.
Many
teens see their parents and other adults drinking so they think it’s okay. And, it’s easier to get than other drugs.
A.
I
don’t think teens are aware of the long-term effects on their brains and body.
Q. What should schools and the community do
to get a more direct and effective messages to teens?
A. Have
people talk to us about their experiences with drinking and drugs.
A. Schools
shouldn’t give students opportunities to use drugs. Students are unsupervised a lot, and teaches
are uninformed.
A. We need better counseling at school. Check-up with your students more regularly –
some kids just fall through the cracks.
A. Better security at school. More PSA’s and assemblies addressing alcohol
and drug use and the consequences.
Q. What should Parents know OR do to better
support their teens?
A. Parents should let their teens know that
there will be consequences, but they will be there for them when they do make a
bad choice.
A. Parents need to understand that teens are
easily influenced by their friends, the media and society.
A. Be more open and less judgmental of your kids. Too many kids are not trusting of their
parents with drug issues.
A. Pay more attention to your teen -- know what
they are doing, who they are with and what’s going on in their daily life.
A. Show us more examples of real-life
tragedies/consequences from people who use substances.
A. Communicate more with your teen. Try to really understand what is going on in
their lives.
A. Start talking to your kids about this when
they are younger – middle school at least.
Q. What would you
like to see addressed? Do you have any
thoughts on messaging or reaching teens better on this issue?
A. I would like to see Parents be more informed
about vaping. How to recognize the signs,
what to look for, and then how to handle it.
A. The huge amount of stress and anxiety teens
are trying to deal with today. And, the
consequences of substance use.
A. I need everyone to understand that is it so
hard to be a teenager today and I wish that they would all be more supportive.
A. Parents need to be better informed about what’s
happening with teen substance use.
A. Helping teens find healthy ways to cope with
stress and anxiety.
#youthinaction
#teamyab
#livedrugfree
#Whatsyourinfluence
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