Parents Need To Do Their Own Homework

As Their Teenagers Head Back To School

As many kids enter new schools, face increased workloads, and make new friends this back-to-school season, the risks are high that they also face increased opportunities for drug and alcohol use.

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership joins the nation’s Drug Czar, National Fatherhood Initiative, and National Student Assistance Association to alert parents in Connecticut and nationwide about the risks associated with teens going back-to-school and to give them the tools to keep their children drug-free.

“Research shows that teens transitioning from middle to high school are at an increased risk for drug use,” said partnership president Susan K. Patrick. “According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health,” she said, “lifetime marijuana use increases more than sevenfold between the ages of 12 and 14 —from 2 to 15 percent — when many students are changing schools.”

The 2003 Monitoring the Future survey, conducted by the National Institute for Health, found similar results.

“Between eighth and tenth grade, the percentage of kids who have tried drugs doubles from 18 to 36 percent,” said Ms Patrick. “Additionally, disapproving attitudes about drug use decreases from 82 to 68 percent during this time.”

Though drug use is down 32 percent nationally, and rates of use have fallen among Connecticut’s youth, students continue to use alcohol and drugs too often, too much, and too early.

Connecticut youth use at rates that are higher than their nationwide peers.

Adverse consequences including poor school performance, involvement with the juvenile justice system, mental health problems, risk of injury, and death.

Student surveys conducted by the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services indicate that by their sophomore year in high school, 79 percent of Connecticut’s students have used alcohol, 43 percent have used marijuana, and 17 percent have used inhalants.

“Connecticut’s children first use alcohol at age 11 and marijuana at 12,” said Ms Patrick. “This is a full one to two years earlier than their peers nationally.”

Although Connecticut data is not available, alarming new national trends show significant increases in recreational use of prescription and over-the-counter medication and inhalants by young people.

“Parents should be aware of the important role they play by being actively involved and engaged in their children’s lives,” said Ms Patrick. “Parents have more influence than they think when it comes to stemming young people’s drug use and abuse.”

To help bring back-to-school prevention messages to parents, the Governor’s Prevention Partnership invites Connecticut parents and concerned citizens to call 800-422-5422 for a free parent action guide or visit www.preventionworksct.org. Resources including “homework assignment tips” for parents to keep their children drug free during the school year as well as a back-to-school fact sheet to help parents stay smart about the risks associated with teens heading back to the classroom.

 The White House office of National Drug Control Policy’s National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is also offering resources online at www.theantidrug.com/backtoschool.