Where’s Your Child?
Nearly 23% of high school seniors in Hall County report that they drink. This is a slightly higher percentage than the state as a whole. Of those Hall County seniors who report drinking, 58% of them report that they drink alcohol at a friend’s house and 15% report drinking in cars.
When you give permission for your child to go off in a car or go to friend’s house, you might assume they will be safe. When it comes to alcohol or drug usage, assumptions can be deadly.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds. (U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts: Young Drivers,” 2007.)
The good news is that parents are a major influence in their child’s life. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, research has shown that two-thirds of teens say that losing their parents’ respect and pride is one of the main reason they don’t use drugs. You matter and can make a difference. Some suggestions:
- Know where your children are going, with whom, and what they will be doing. Know what time they will be home and be awake when they get there.
- Have clear rules and consequences established. Develop these with your children’s input. Post them on the refrigerator. Review them periodically.
- Tell your children that you expect them not to use drugs. Don’t expect them “just to know how you feel.â€
