Life Transitions
Periods of transition in teens' lives — like moving, divorce, puberty, changing schools — can often be a time of upheaval, leading many teens to attempt to find solace in alcohol or drugs.
Teens with less-involved parents are more likely to use drugs
The 6th annual Teens Today report reveals that high school teens whose parents pay the least attention to significant transition periods such as puberty or school changes are 42% more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, including drinking, drug use, early sexual intercourse, and dangerous driving. Only 18% of teens whose parents pay the most attention involved themselves in such activities.
Teens with involved parents are more mentally at ease
Teens are more than twice as likely to report daily stress and appear to be twice as likely to report being depressed and bored when their parents are not involved with the changes going on in their lives. And research shows that stressed or depressed teens are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs.
What Parents Can Do
- Pay even closer attention to your child's behavior during—and AFTER—transitions such as:
- The move from grade school to middle school
- A relocation to a different town
- Parents' divorce
- Serious illness in the family
- Amp up the monitoring and communication during such times
- Try not to get too lost in your own needs during transitions
- Encourage an open dialogue with your teen about his experiences
- Set aside regular one–on–one time with your teen to bond and have fun together
