September-October 2008

73 Percent of Teens Report Number OneReason for Using Drugs is toCope with School Pressure

A study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free Americareveals a troubling new insight into the reasons whyteens use drugs. According to the 2007 PartnershipAttitude Tracking Study of 6,511 teens, the number one reason teens see for using drugs is to deal withthe pressures and stress of school. In this nationally projectable study,

73 percent of teens reportedthat school stress is the primary reason for druguse

, indicating that teens’ perceptions of motivatingfactors for using drugs are dramatically differentthan past research has indicated.

Disconnect between teen behavior and parentalawareness:

An accompanying 2007 Partnership study of parents’ attitudes about teen drug use showed that parents severely underestimate the impact of stresson their teens’ decision to use drugs.

Only 7percent of parents believe that teens might usedrugs to cope with stress.

This is a pivotal opportunity for parents tounderstand what motivates today’s teens to engagein this type of risky behavior, and to communicatethe very real dangers and risks, while offering their kids support and guidance on dealing with pressurein a healthy way. The “to have fun” rationales aredeclining, while motivations to use drugs to solve problems are increasing.

Excerpted from

Pushing Back

on www.drugfreecommunity.com

Resource: TakeTimetoTalk.org

New Web site for middle and high school students:www.mydrugfreeworld.comBack-to-school is a stressful time of year, as teens prepare to face new academic challenges and social pressures. Take every opportunity to talk to your teen, and help them manage stress in a healthy way.All thumbs when it comes to texting – Downloadthe Time to Text Guide for Parents:

http//www.timetotalk.org/Downloads/ttt_time_to_ext.pdf

Why Text?

For many teens, text messaging is a primary form of communication. It’s a quick, easy and private wayfor them to make plans, gossip and stay in touch.While nothing takes the place of a face-to-face-conversation,

text messaging can help parentsopen new lines of communication.

Surveys showthat more than half of teens who text message withtheir parents think it has improved their relationshipwith their parents, and 51 percent of parents whotext with their teens agree that they communicatemore often.

Source: www.TimeToTalk.org

Kids Who Learn About the Risks of Drug UseAre up to 50 percent less likely to use

As a parent, the things you say and do have atremendous influence on the decisions your childmakes – especially when it comes to using drugs or alcohol. By talking to your kids about drugs andalcohol, you can help them make better choices andlive safer, healthier lives. Starting the conversationwith your kids and keeping communication open isnever easy but it’s also not as difficult as you maythink.

Support and resources available onwww.TimeToTalk.org and www.TheAnti-Drug.com

Red Ribbon Week

– October 23-31

Annual District 50 Youth Conference

November 22 and 236-12

grade studentsRegistration forms in school offices in October

Speaker for Adults

Dr. Matt BellaceNovember 22, 6-8 PM – Ranum H.S.

The Brain, Behavior and Addiction How to Support Your Teen In Making Healthy Choices