As teens revel in the long lazy days of summer, parents have a different agenda in mind; how their teens will use all of that free time.
Research shows that young people with unsupervised time are three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs. And unsupervised teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual activity, and cigarette smoking than other teens.
Although the statistics are troubling, you can make a difference by setting clear rules and expectations about drug use and other risky behaviors.
Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to their teen's safety. The best way to do it is to remain in-the-know with your teens by monitoring their activities by using technology and other trusted sources around you, like neighbors, friends, and family in order to help keep your teens safe when you cannot be with them.
3 Easy Steps to Help Monitor Your Teens When They are Away From Home:
1. Have your kids check in. Emphasize the importance of calling or texting throughout the day to know their whereabouts.
2. Address peer pressure. Have regular conversations on how to overcome peer pressure and reinforce what is acceptable and what is not.
3. Be firm. Enforce rules and consequences pertaining to curfew and drug and alcohol abuse.