Despite the fact that alcohol and other drugs are readily available to teenagers, parents do have the power to raise drug free kids. We want Parent Power to address the questions, concerns and real life situations you parents and your teens face everyday.
CASA’s 2007 National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse finds that teens whose parents do not limit their exposure to movies, television, and music are likelier to smoke, drink or use drugs compared to teens whose parents do limit their exposure.
Constant discussion about the consequences of drug use behavior and constant deconstruction of the media messages.
I listen and refer to current events (suicides, accidental deaths, enforced hospitalizations, custody denials) for answers to the questions.
We discuss what is in the press or on tv about the latest superstar and the consequences of their behavior. My 14 year old points out the destructive behavior of the tween stars to my 9 year old. Most of these conversations take place in the kitchen while preparing meals or doing homework.
It seems like a lot of today’s stars are not glamorized at all. They do not look healthy or attractive to my daughter. Right now, we talk about choices, how all behavior, good and bad, is a choice and how all of these choices come with consequences.
We try to limit what she sees on tv; we stick more to age appropriate videos for family entertainment.
Having discussions about what is being portrayed in the media is key. Heck, ongoing discussions in general about these subjects is key! Our hope is to raise kids that are critical thinkers about these issues. Is it really cool to smoke cigarrettes or pot? Is it really sexy to drink/get drunk. Being able to assess a situation or media portrayal accurately within one’s one circumstances and drawing one’s own conclusions is imperative to be a resourcesful and resiliant person.
I agree with Ralph that what we do as parents is very important. If I drink, smoke and/or use drugs is it realistic that my kids will do otherwise? Probably not–I know I’ve lived through my father’s addiction and my own.
We have always watched the TV shows they watch very carefully and movies, as well. We will continue to do so. They have always known this is how it works so are still, for the most part, accepting of this arrangment. Movies rated R are an absolute no. My son is almost sixteen and I can see he is beginning to view himself as adult-like, therefore feels he should be allowed to see PG-13 with no reservations, however there is still an occasional PG-13 movie we say no to, particulary if there is a warning re: alcohol or drug use or glorification. Hollywood has its head up its you know what and should really try to be more family friendly in this regard.
We began at an early age to always bring up substance abuse whenever our kids see it in the media. We are careful what we allow them to watch, but we also do not prevent them from seeing the reality of life. We want them to know what is going on in the world around them without glorifying what they see. We want them to understand there are choices they will make and there are consequences to those choices.
We have closely monitored what our children view on television and at the movies–as well as the music they listen to. As they have grown and matured, we have ensured that these restrictions are age-appropriate. We have clearly explained why we believe in our guidelines, and with the older children, we have discussed the more mature themes that they may encounter in shows and music.
Some of the recent headlines involving stars who were once in wholesome, family entertainment and have now spiraled out of control have offered the perfect chance to illustrate what can happen when you abuse substances.
It is impossible to control everything that your children are exposed to. They may be allowed to watch different shows when visiting friends. However, being as consistent as possible is essential. What is okay for a fifteen year old may not be okay for a six year old. Take the time to research TV shows, movies and music. And don’t be afraid to say no. If you don’t, how can you expect your child to later in life!
Well, my sons love movies and you can show them films with great stars and say:
Humphrey Bogart - dead from smoking
John Candy - dead from being overweight
John Belushi, River Phoenix - drug overdose
All these people made choices and they had a lot left to give and their choices killed them.
They also seem to think that the three bimbos of the Apocalpyse, Lyndsay, Paris and Britney, and their smoking and drinking is just pathetic. Maybe that’s because they are boys but they are not impressed.
Use the information to your best advantage. Discussion, behavior patterns, role modeling, etc.
We Talked!
I taught my son from the earliest age that ADVERTISING LIES. All advertising is designed to sell something and most of it is something no one NEEDS. It’s goal is to make you think you need it and to increase your desire for it.
We also talked about movies and TV shows from the beginning of his viewing. We always talked about the difference between reality and fantasy. I kept the true picture of alcohol and other drug use constantly before him so that he could see for himself that this subject is one that nearly all movies and TV lie about.
We point out the “Commercials” for drugs and soda and booze in the movies! “look at that advertisement!” they now say look at that Product Placement Mom!!
The movie industry has reps that do nothing but sell product placement, from shoes, to computers, to cars, to phones in the movies!
So it might be wise to ask who is selling the gratuitous drug USE?? huh???
The kids hate to see how they are duped into liking something because it was in a movie. When they can spot it they see what the Advertisers are doing. Same with drugs! No one is barfing or having the DT’s (just all the glamour)
The reality of this world is that there is a God and that the whole journey of life is to meet him. (Look up in the sky and the organization of the stellar community-often we remain isolated and forget whats really going on). Like the denial of drug addiction, the denial of God is common place because people who do deny the existence have never really investigated him or thought about him (”contempt prior to investigation”). Like addiction that is the true misuse of the “free will.” To have a chance at complete spirtual connection to him you need to live chemical free avoiding all the media hype who say its ok to put isolated and synthetic chemicals into your body. (including alcohol, caffeine (the most widely abused drug in the world), tobacco, otc medications, Rx drugs (unless absolutely necessary) and illicit drugs. Even the liberal use of otc pain relievers and the use of caffeine and synthetic candies sends a message to kids that its ok to take anything into their body that they want. Unless the idea of chemical health is practiced in the home and the real reason why it is important then the young kids may miss out on a really nice part of life.
They really don’t get much of it. When you monitor their TV and their entertainment, this doesn’t seem to be as much of an issue.