The Partnership kicks off its third annual “Time To Talk” Month with a new online guide to help parents guide their teens through tough transition times, including back to school, when added social and academic pressures make teens more vulnerable to trying drugs and alcohol.
A recent online survey of more than 2,500 moms conducted by Vocalpoint.com in collaboration with the Partnership revealed that their number-one concern about back-to-school time is that their child “might be exposed to kids who drink or use drugs” (29 percent), followed closely by worries that their teens “will feel pressure to do well academically or pressure from tests” (22 percent). A 2007 Partnership study of 6,500 teens indicated that the number one reason teens use drugs is to cope with school stress, and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the key risk periods for adolescent drug abuse are during major transitions, such as entering middle or high school or leaving home for college.
The Partnership’s new research-based guide “Transitions & Teens: A Guide for Parents” is available as a free download at TimeToTalk.org, and was created in consultation with parenting experts, psychologists and family therapists. The guide helps parents understand how transition periods – like back to school, starting a new school, divorce, and even financial trouble at home – can impact a child’s vulnerability to risky behaviors, including drugs and alcohol.
Time To Talk continues to encourage parents and caregivers to start and maintain open, honest dialogue to help their kids make healthy decisions for themselves.
Vocalpoint has served as a key content partner for Time To Talk, helping the Partnership reach Vocalpoint moms through mom-focused online surveys, monthly newsletters and message boards where moms can share tips and advice to help protect their families.
31. January 2010
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