South Africa: Parents Can Influence Teens'' Smoking, Drinking

Source from:  Health-e (Cape Town) 05/29/2013

Parents have more influence over their teen's smoking, drinking or drug-use behaviour than they think.

A recent survey in the US found that one in five parents think they have little control over whether their teens take up smoking, drinking or use drugs.

"Surveys of teens repeatedly show that parents can make an enormous difference in influencing their children's perceptions of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use," said Pamela Hyde, an administrator at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The findings are based on a recent survey of more than 67 000 Americans ages 12 and older. Researchers found that one in every 10 parents had not talked to their teens about tobacco, alcohol or other drugs - even though two-thirds of these same parents believe such a talk might sway their child away from these substances.

"Although most parents are talking with their teens about the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, far too many are missing the vital opportunity these conversations provide in influencing their children's health and well-being," Hyde said.

"Parents need to initiate age-appropriate conversations about these issues with their children at all stages of their development in order to help ensure that their children make the right decisions."

Prior studies have shown that when teens believe parents strongly disapprove of their smoking, drinking or trying illicit drugs, they are much less likely to do so. Enditem