A version of this column originally
appeared in the "Beaverton Valley Times" newspaper:
By Jill Webb
For many kids, summer is a time to relax and hang out
with friends, free of the demands of busy school-year
schedules.
That means summer can also be filled with hours of unsupervised
time in which too many kids take part in dangerous activities
such as substance use. For example, summer is the riskiest
time of year when it comes to teens and marijuana. More
teens try marijuana for the first time in June, July
and August than at any other time, according to the White
House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
What can parents and other caregivers do?
A good place to start is to know where your teen is
and what he or she is doing during unsupervised time.
Research shows that teens with unsupervised time are
three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs.
Unsupervised teens are also more likely to engage in
risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol, engaging in
sexual activity and smoking cigarettes.
Parents are busy, of course. They can't be everywhere
to supervise their kids, who face difficult decisions
amid an avalanche of constant influences - from friends
to advertisers - telling them everything from what to
wear to how to spend their time.
That's why it's helpful for parents to work together.
One of the most important lessons I've learned in recent
years is the power of networking with other parents.
In the past, communities often were tightly knit. Families
knew each other and communicated regularly. These days,
in our busy world, we tend to lead more isolated lives.
A parent network can break through that isolation. Through
networks, parents connect with and support one another
in raising kids. Networks allow parents to help each
other keep a watchful eye on their children's activities
and to be aware of potential risky behaviors. These networks
can be formed around sports teams, neighborhoods, schools
and other ways kids connect and make friends.
Beyond networks, many parents are taking the following
actions and finding success at keeping their kids safe
and healthy:
Establishing clear rules for their child's behavior,
enforcing consequences when rules are broken and praising
positive behavior. Scientific studies show that children
are less likely to drink if their parents or caregivers
set clear expectations with clear consequences.
Talking regularly with their kids about the dangers
of alcohol and other drugs.
Monitoring their child's behavior.
Making sure adult supervision is provided when their
children visit other kids' homes.
Providing a "safe home" with respect to alcohol.
Parents who keep alcohol in the home should store it
in a secure place.
Restricting parties or gatherings in houses when
adults are not there.
Getting to know their children's friends and their
parents.
Helping their child get involved in activities, such
as sports, volunteer opportunities and summer employment.
Jill Webb is coalition coordinator with Beaverton
Together!, an organization that mobilizes community
action and resources to promote safe and drug-free
lifestyles among youth.
A version of this column originally appeared
in the "Beaverton Valley Times" newspaper:
By Jill Webb
A coffee cup bears the message, "Nine out of ten Westview students
have been marijuana free in the last thirty days."
A cell-phone screen proclaims, "5 out of 6 Westview sophomores disapprove
of their peers using marijuana."
And the writing on the rear window of a vehicle reads, "5 out of
6 high school sophomores are not current marijuana users."
These important messages were developed by marketing students at
Beaverton's Westview High School, who have launched
a unique local public awareness campaign. The students,
with the help of a professional graphic designer,
created eye-catching posters that underscore that
most teens do not smoke marijuana.
The same can be said of youth and alcohol. Society today is awash
in alcohol industry advertising that depicts drinking as cool, glamorous,
without consequence and as something that everybody does, all the
time. But the fact is most kids do not drink.
The work of Westview students dovetails with the mission of my organization,
Beaverton Together. In collaboration with community partners, we
are spreading the message that youth who are alcohol and drug free
are the norm, not the exception.
Our campaign also aims to limit youth access to alcohol at home
and from retail stores. One of the realities of
youth alcohol use is that most kids who drink get
their alcohol from adults. They get
it from refrigerators and unlocked liquor cabinets
when parents aren't home. And they get it from
some adults who willingly buy it for them
as a "favor." In some cases, they get it from parents
and other adults who host parties where alcohol
is available with the idea that they are keeping
kids off the roads and "safe." The
reality is furnishing alcohol to a minor is against
the law. And it can be dangerous.
Underage drinking is the No. 1 drug problem among youth, and the
consequences are sobering. Scientific research compiled by the American
Medical Association has found that youth who drink can damage their
developing brains, making it harder to learn and remember. That is
on top of the more immediate consequences: Alcohol is a factor in
automobile crashes, unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide,
the leading causes of death among people ages 10 to 24.
Let's take a cue from Westview students and help spread the
message among youngsters that they are in the majority
if they are drug free. If you own a business or
other establishment visited frequently
by the public, I encourage you to contact Beaverton
Together! for copies of the students' posters.
We all have an important role to play in keeping kids drug free.
Jill Webb is coalition coordinator with Beaverton Together!, an
organization that mobilizes community action and resources to promote
safe and drug-free lifestyles among youth.
A version of this column originally appeared
in the "Beaverton Valley Times" newspaper:
By Mark Kwak
Just listen.
Thousands of teens these days feel their parents
do not listen to them about their problems, leaving
communication gaps within households. The traditional
family dinner, said to be the "glue" holding
families together, is now a quick dinner in front
of the TV with meager conversation and virtually
no bonding.
Furthermore, some say this is a primary reason
teens turn to alcohol and other drugs to solve
their problems. Whether you believe it or not,
the teenage years are difficult, and many teens
feel their only outlet to relieve stress is through
alcohol and other drugs. And, indeed, there are
healthier and safer alternatives to have fun
and relieve stress. This is why it's essential
to encourage and promote family bonding in today's
society. When teens have something on their minds,
a parent is a great resource to help vent stress
and for input about what to do.
However, it can sometimes be difficult to approach
your teen with the intention of talking with
them about drugs. It's a touchy, but truly important,
subject. Everyday drug use among teens seems
to be what many people perceive as the norm today
and that is unacceptable, especially when it
is untrue. For instance, at Westview High School,
teens perceive a far greater number of students
use marijuana than actually do, simply because
the norm is perceived to be that "everyone does
it." This can lead to more drug use among students
due to their perceptions that if they don't try
marijuana, they won't be part of the norm.
Thus, it is important for families to have conversations
regarding alcohol and other drug use, or any
topic for that matter. Simply listening can be
the cure for the high stress youth face today.
Promoting healthy behaviors and activities can
work wonders, and will undoubtedly reduce drug
use among teens.
Through experience, I can tell you that communicating
with my parents, knowing the rules in the house
and simply being open with my family have definitely
kept me away from drugs, regardless of my peers
who may use.
When teens struggle through academic and social
pressures everyday, it is sometimes easy for
them to want a way out, and drugs can seem rather
tantalizing. However, what they do not know is
that there are so many other alternatives. The
world is large, and the people in it are always
busy; there is positive stuff to do, it's just
a matter of finding it. Encouraging after-school
activities, volunteering, membership in outside
organizations and other activities can help a
teen from turning to drugs in the first place
- and staying off of them in the long run.
So, the next time there is a chance for conversation
in your family, take that opportunity and delve
deeper into the lives of your family members.
Don't go back to the television or to your room,
or keep doing the dishes. Stop and talk. Whether
you are a child, a mother, a father or even a
grandparent, keep the lines of conversation open.
Maybe through those conversations, things like
drug use will be prevented.
Mark Kwak is a 2006 graduate of Westview
High School, and has been active in alcohol
and drug prevention efforts in the Beaverton
area.
