Must-Have Conversations with Kids As They Head Back To School
Hanley and Caron Treatment Centers Outlines Top Conversations to Have With Teens
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – August 26, 2013 – With summer winding down, preparations for the tough transition back to school are in full swing. Whether parents are taking their teens clothes shopping as they immerse themselves in the big transition to high school or packing up the car to drop off their new college freshman for next week’s state college start, and , a nationally recognized non-profit provider of alcohol and drug addiction treatment, suggests these transitions are an important time to have critical conversations with teens. To help parents empower their children to make healthy choices and stay safe, Hanley and Caron experts recommend that parents have conversations about critical topics including: drugs and alcohol, sex and STDs, peer pressure, as well as stress, depression and mental health.
“Hopefully talks about drugs are taking place at an early age, but it’s wise to continue the conversation throughout the high school and college years. Parents still exert a strong influence even if they feel that their teens pay more attention to peers at this age,” said Tammy Granger, Corporate Director of Student Assistance Programs at Hanley and CaronTreatmentCenters. “Maintaining open and regular communication will be important to help guide them through challenging situations. Being well informed and consistent with your message and the consequences for unhealthy decision making will give your teen the best opportunity to be successful.”
Drugs and Alcohol
Unfortunately, there’s a good chance children will encounter drugs and alcohol in high school. According to a in 2012, 22.9 percent of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past month, 14.8 percent used a prescription drug for non-medical purposes in the past year and 28.1 percent reported getting intoxicated in the past month. Drug use at any age is dangerous, but since the teen brain is still developing through the age of 25, the consequences of drug abuse can be particularly devastating. This is why it’s important to continue the conversation even after high school and to reinforce making healthy choices around substance use.
Sex and STDs
As early as high school, children may feel pressured to engage in sex just as they feel pressure to try drugs. According to the , more than 25 percent of 15 to 17 year olds have worried about STDs or pregnancy because of behavior while drinking or using drugs. This is especially relevant for college students who often have more independence for the first time. Leaving drinks unattended at parties can increase the risk of someone adding dangerous substances without their knowledge, which could lead to unwanted sexual experiences. Even when drinking is not involved, teens may engage in unprotected sex and they need to understand the medical and emotional risks associated with sexual activity.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be powerful. Teens tend to use drugs to reduce anxiety and uncomfortable feelings or to appear more grown up, among other reasons. According to a , 78 percent of 848 U.S. adults aged 18 to 40 claimed to have tried alcohol for the first time when they were underage. Of those, 36 percent had their first experience with alcohol before the age of 16. The desire to fit in does not disappear as teens approach adulthood. Keeping the family connected through common interests, remaining present in their lives and fostering open communication – even when your child no longer lives with you – can reinforce positive influences and responsible behavior to mimic rather than letting peer groups exert all of the influence.
Stress, Depression and Mental Health
Teens face a variety of pressures in both high school and in college. Issues such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem may arise and they may not have the coping skills to deal with them on their own. If your son or daughter has a history of any of these, it is important to pay attention to signs such as poor grades, changes in friends, trouble sleeping, etc. and ask them how they’re doing. It is essential to be available for them while being on the lookout for signs of depression. Additionally, parents should make sure they are familiar with school or campus resources such as the guidance counselors, residential assistants in college dorms, health services department and campus security.
It is important to seek professional help for any teenager struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Hanley and CaronTreatmentCenters have a number of programs specifically designed for teens who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. To learn more about programs for teens in recovery, please visit:
For additional information and tips for talking to teens about these subjects, please visit the following resources:
- Al-Anon –
- BigFuture –
- Booklet: “A Parent’s Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use” –
- College Drinking: Changing the Culture –
- Facts about drugs –
- For talking about drug use with your teen –
- For talking about sex and STDs – http://timetoact.drugfree.org/think-why-teens-use-sex.html
- If you think your child is using drugs –
- SAMHSA –
- The Partnership –
- University Parent –
About Caron Treatment Centers
Caron Treatment Centers is a nationally recognized non-profit provider of alcohol and drug addiction treatment. With over 55 years in the field, Caron is one of the oldest and largest organizations offering primary, relapse and longer-term residential treatment for adolescents, young adults, adults and older adults, as well as families affected by the disease of addiction. Caron’s treatment is gender separate and gender-specific. Caron has extensive experience in the treatment of co-occurring psychological/psychiatric disorders within its patient community. Formerly the Caron Foundation, the acclaimed Caron Treatment Centers network operates treatment centers in Wernersville, PA; Dallas, TX; and Caron Renaissance in Boca Raton, FL. Caron also operates HanleyCenter in West Palm Beach and Gate Lodge in Vero Beach, FL. Caron has regional offices in Boston, Bermuda, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. For more information, visit