Summer vacation and unsupervised teens usually go hand in hand in the months following the last day of school. Statistics show a 40-percent increase in first-time youth marijuana use during June and July, compared to the rest of the year. Where there is more freedom, there is also more temptation. Statistics show youthful experimentation with drugs, tobacco and alcohol is most likely to occur during an unsupervised time when teens are alone or with their peers. Some of the things that parents can do to prevent drug experimentation and use during these times are:
- Encourage your child to continue his/her after-school activities like sports.
- Insist on a summertime curfew.
- Get to know your child’s friends and families.
- Plan summer activities the entire family can enjoy together.
