Teens are talking about Spring Break and House Parties

What BOTH Students and Parents NEED to know….

Q.  What are your plans for break?

 Teens Answer:

• For Spring Break my family and I are visiting colleges in New York.  I’m really looking forward to visiting NYU and Columbia University. 
• For spring break I plan on going on vacation with my family. 
• To RELAX.  I plan to do something that will be approved by my parents but will also be fun.
• For spring break I will be going to tour Columbia and Yale Universities.
• For spring break, I’m going to Disney World with my closest friends, and other places around Florida. 

 Q.  What do you do to keep busy and have fun without the influence of drugs or alcohol? 

Teens Answer:

• Focus on my goals and doing things I am interested in and exploring new things.  
• Lately I’ve been trying to get back into reading and working on my blog. 
• Reading, hanging out with friends and going to the movies.
• I hang out with my good friends that are a good influence.  I also try to stay busy.

 Q.  There are parties on the weekends, so what do you do if there is alcohol or drugs at a party you are at?

  Teens Answer:

• Make sure that I’m making good choices, being safe and having fun.  If that’s not possible, then I leave  
• Not partake in the use of any illegal substances
•  I just do my own thing and refuse to use drugs or drink alcohol.
•  I would probably leave and not touch anything. 
• Avoid the people who are making the choice to do drugs or drink.
•  If there is but I can’t seem to leave, I don’t condone the use, and do not use, and, try to convince others of making better choices.

 Q.  Do you think there are a lot of Parents who host parties with alcohol? 

Teens Answer:

• Yes, of course, I know personally of instances when parents have turned a blind eye to what is going on in their home.  
• Yes, MOST parties occur in households.
•  When police come to a party with alcohol the students will either be convicted or let off with a warning, but the parents will most likely be prosecuted.
•  I feel like some parents allow it but sometimes the kids’ friends’ bring it in and the parents’ don’t know how to shut it down.
•  I know of a few – I hope they think about their actions and the consequences.

Q.  What do you think happens if the police come to a party where there is alcohol?  What happens to the students?  To the parents?

Teens Answer:

• I know of several students who have MIP’s though I rarely hear of consequences their parents withstand.  
• The students might get MIP’s, if they are participating in drinking.  The parents will face some legal consequences as well.
•  Police will question the people that are there.  The students will get in trouble along with their parents. 
•  The students deal with punishment with the law and at school -- which could be gossip and very negative.  The parents should be treated equally.  Giving minors alcohol is NOT okay, especially not a bunch of kids at a party you may not know.  

Q.  What do you think Parents NEED TO KNOW about throwing a party for their kids and their friends?

Teens Answer:

• That there are almost always illegal substances involved.  Make sure you talk to your students and then trust that your children understand the consequences and will make good choices. 
• They will get in trouble with the law if the police come and there is illegal activity OR if a child gets hurt in their vehicle after the party.
•  They need to know how to stop the flow of alcohol or other drugs into the party.
•  They need to know that THEY are responsible.  I know a Mom that hosted a party where a girl got alcohol poisoning and their daughter tried to cover it up for her parents sake.
• That kids can make bad decisions and to make sure they know what’s going on.
•  That it is NOT safer for kids to drink at home or with adult supervision.

 

 #what'syourinfluence?#Ichoosetolivedrugfree#youthinaction

         

Teens are talking about trends in substance use.

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Teens talk about trends in substance use, consequences and what Parents NEED to know….

Q.  What do you see is the biggest trend in teen substance use right now?

Teen's Answer: 

• Hookah
• Alcohol
• Adderral
• Hookah and alcohol.  There are too many parties.
• A large trend I see is the use of vaporizers.  Kids like them because they are odorless.  Also, kids think they are more safe because there is no combustion… but they are actually very bad for you.

Q.  Do you know anyone who has gotten in trouble for drinking or drug use?  If Yes, what happened to them and how did it affect their life?

Teen's Answer:

• Yes.  They went to jail, lost their license and college opportunity.
• Yes.  They get drug tested at school.
• Yes.  They got an MIP and there were embarrassing videos of them on the internet.
• Yes.  They got an MIP and many freedoms lost.
• Yes.  They got an MIP which effected getting into the college they wanted.
• Yes.  They were admitted to rehab and lived a sober life for a few  months.  This person fell back with their “user” friends and is back to more use.
• Yes.  They received an MIP and might be sentenced with probation for 2 years.  I don’t think they learned much though.

Q.  What do Parents need to know and do about teen substance use?

Teen's Answer:

• That it is growing – it IS prevalent
• Make sure a Parental unit is home for parties.
• That  kids are doing them, maybe even their own kids. 
• They need to know that it is on the rise and how to detect changes in their own children  when they either start using or need help with an addiction.
• They need to know that they set an dexample for their children regarding substance use.  If parents handle  their stress in healthy ways, then their children will be more likely to handle stress in healthy ways.

Q.  When do you think is the right time for Parents to talk to their kids about drinking and drug use? 

Teen's Answer:

• It depends on the child.  I remember some kids did drugs in middle school, but some not until high school.  Middle School is a great age to start the transition to the topic.
• Middle School.  8th grade, age 13-14.
• Younger;  10-11. 
• Middle School, entering 6^th grade.
• Every age, so that they know drugs are wrong.

Q.  What do you think Parents should say to their kids about drugs and alcohol at this time? 

Teen's Answer:

• They should tell their kids’ that they are not good for them, and if they ever find themselves in a situation that involves them, to just leave.
• Tell them the consequences and effects of drinking and using drugs.
• Explain to them the truths about effects, legal ramifications and the importance of making your own decisions.

Q.  What should Parents say to their kids when they are in high school and how often should they talk to them?

• Make good choices.
• Talk to them at least once a month.  Talk about the effects, but try to keep an open dialogue about what they want to talk about.
• Discuss with them what they observe among their peers and how common it is.
• That there are choices they make now are crucial to their future.  They should talk to them  about it often.
• You should trust your child, but know the signs.  Be aware when they act strange or suspicious.  BUT, be open to helping them.

Q.  What would YOU say to a young teenager, someone in middle school right now about drinking and drugs?

Teen's Answer:

• Don’t do them.
• It doesn’t make you cool.
• It’s NOT worth it – your future is much more important. 
• Starting early as a teen, means they have a higher risk of addiction.
• You shouldn't be doing it.  Drugs are more harm than fun.
• If you are able to say "No."  Then you will be the most mature kid at the party.
• Drugs are never worth it.  You should NEVER do them in any situation.  You ALWAYS have the ability to say "No."

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