School’s Out – Make It A Safe & Enjoyable Summer!
Everyone loves summer – especially
teens as they celebrate their accomplishments during the school year and look
forward to enjoying relaxing days and fun activities with friends and family.
But since teens also tend to spend more time unsupervised during the summer
months, it is an especially important time for parents to set clear
expectations about behavior and help teens make smart decisions to stay safe
and avoid risky situations.
Did you know that…
On an average
summer day, over 11,000 adolescents between ages 12-17 try alcohol for the
first time and about 5,000 teens report first time cigarette use. More than
4,500 teens start using marijuana during June and July.
An average of 10
teens between ages 16-19 die in car accidents each day between Memorial Day and
Labor Day, a period known as the 100 Deadliest Days for teens on the road.
Teens who drink
and use drugs are more inclined to have unprotected sex and are more
susceptible to addiction when they begin using before age 21.
Good News is that the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration reports 80% of children credit their parents as
the biggest influence in their decisions about drinking and drugs. Open family
communication helps teens understand the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse
and reassures them that they can still have fun while staying out of harm’s
way.
How Can Parents
Help Teens Stay Healthy & Positive During Summer?
Talk About Alcohol/Substance
Abuse Early and Often – An average child may try alcohol for the first
time by age 11, so start conversations early in your child’s life to establish
ongoing communication as they grow older. Short, frequent talks are often more
effective than having one big talk.
Set Reasonable
Limits – Establishing boundaries is important especially
during the summer when teens have more time on their hands. This may include
agreed-upon limits on curfew, technology use, chores, use of the car, rules on having
friends over, etc.
Check-In and Be
Aware – Know what your kids are doing and who they will
be spending time with. Have teens check in often about where they will be and
what their plans are.
Spend Time
Together as a Family – Planned vacations are great, but so are day
trips together to a local pool, waterpark, or museum.
Summer is a great time to re-connect with your
children and strengthen family bonds after the busy routine of the school year.
Please stay safe and have a wonderful summer!
