The long awaited summer break is here and with it comes new adventures and experiences for your teen! As a parent or guardian of a teen it is important to keep them safe as they enjoy the summer months. The
Office of National Drug Control Policy created the SUMMER acronym below to help families remember these prevention tips!
Set Rules: Clear rules are needed about activities and friends. Involve your teen in setting limits and consequences.
Understand and Communicate: Keep lines of communication open.
Significant parent involvement is the most important factor in preventing drug use.
Monitor Activities: Know each day what your teen has planned, where they will be, with whom, and what their schedule is. Have planned "check-ins."
Unmonitored teens are four times more likely to engage in drug use or other risky behaviors.
Make sure you stay involved: Know who their friends are and have a relationship with them. Stay connected to let you teen know you care.
Encourage involvement in summer activities: Teens who are involved in Scouts, 4-H, sports, church or other youth activities have a focus for the summer.
Reserve time for family: Even though teens may seem like they don't want to spend time with their family, it is beneficial to have meals together, take a vacation and do other family activities.
|
