There are a number of ways parents and caregivers can help their child make healthy choices and stay substance-free. Being informed about the data is one piece of the prevention puzzle. Survey data of Westbrook parents compared with Westbrook youth responses compiled in the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) help us understand the differences between what parents think versus what teens are reporting and their perceptions about substance use. For instance, did you know that 4 out of 5 Westbrook teens reported NOT using alcohol or marijuana in the past 30 days? So, not “everyone is doing it”!
Parents are still the #1 influence in their child’s life, so you can make a big difference by engaging with your teen – another piece of the prevention puzzle:
- Talk with youth and tell them your expectations about not using substances
- Limit access to alcohol, marijuana, and other substances in your home
- When they go out, know where they will be and be up and check in when they return home
While it is a bit more challenging during the pandemic, it is important to try stay connected with other parents, educators, counselors, and other adults so they can provide support to your child, as well. Studies show that when youth feel connected to their family, school, and other adults in the community, they are 66% less likely to experience health risk behaviors related to sexual health, substance use, violence, and mental health in adulthood.
There are many pieces to the prevention puzzle, and we continue to update our website with tools and resources to help you be informed, engage with your child, and stay connected with other adults, including our INFORMED. ENGAGED. CONNECTED. one-sheet. And, there are many local resources like the My Place Teen Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Westbrook Community Center, and Intercultural Community Center which can help build connections and foster healthy youth-adult relationships. We are here to help connect you with information and resources, so if you don’t see it on our website, just contact us, and we will try to get you the information you need.
