Parents play a major role in their children’s choices about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Parents have more influence over their child than friends, music, TV, the Internet and celebrities. Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not. Help your teen stay safe and make healthy choices by:
- Talking and listening regularly
- Being directly involved in your child’s everyday world
- Making it clear that you do not want him or her drinking or using drugs
- Setting limits
Go to www.TheParentToolkit.org or call the Parent Toll-Free Helpline at 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) for more information and parent tips.
ASAP supports the “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking” campaign. ASAP informs community members about the social host law in Tennessee and the risks of underage drinking. You can protect your children by following these guidelines when hosting teen parties:
- Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth
- Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
- Be at home when your teenager has a party
- Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
- Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
- Report underage drinking
More information about the Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking campaign and Drug-Free Action Alliance is available at www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org.
The vast majority of parents do not want their children to begin using tobacco. In the state of Tennessee, 132,000 children who are now under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from smoking related illnesses. Parents can be anti-tobacco role models whether they use tobacco or not. Take these steps to ensure your children remain (or become) tobacco-free.
- If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start. If you do, quit.
- If you use tobacco, share your struggles to quit with your children.
- Maintain a tobacco-free home.
- Tell your kids you don’t want them to start using tobacco and you will be disappointed if they do.
- Make sure your kids have the facts they need.
- Emphasize the immediate health effects of tobacco use.
- Emphasize the effects of tobacco use on physical appearance.
- Destroy the myth that everybody uses tobacco products.
In Anderson County, 84% of students do not use tobacco products. Let’s make that number 100%! For more information to support your child in becoming one who will #ChooseNotToUse visit www.TobaccoFreeKids.org.
Other information and ways to start the conversation with your children about being alcohol, tobacco and drug-free can be found at www.ASAPofAnderson.org/resources/tips-for-parents.
