Teens Claim Parents Do Poorly In Preventing Smoking, Alcohol Use

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A survey of 1,000 teens from age 12 to 19 by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) claims that parental effort to prevent their children from engaging in smoking and illicit drug and alcohol use is poor.

The survey asked students to evaluate parents on a number of issues from gang violence and the war on terror to providing education and creating job opportunities for the future.

While the parents earned high “grades”— A’s and B’s — on career and education related inquiries, they received their lowest grades — C’s, D’s, and F’s — to questions relating to how they thought parents were doing in stopping smoking, underage drinking, and drug use.

This is the sixth consecutive year the grade in this area has been low.

Low grades were also given in categories including, “Really Listening and Understanding Young People” and “Getting Rid of Gangs.”

“The most devastating result of that breakdown in communication: alcohol and drugs and violence,” said Sheryl Brisett-Chapman, executive director of the National Center for Children and Families to web-based Medical News.

Ms Brisett-Chapman added that teens also “consistently” tell her that adults “do a poor job of leading by example with their own behavior.”

Established in 1920, CWLA strives to advance sound public policy concerning economically disadvantaged children. The survey was co-sponsored by the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network, an organization offering health and social services through a network of community-based initiatives.