Parents can still influence their teenager. Strategy 1: Provide age-appropriate information

Be the first one to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol before someone with an opposing view does
STRATEGIES:
1. Provide age-appropriate information
Children appear to be growing up faster, and are exposed to drugs and alcohol at an even earlier age. Children as young as 10 are being introduced to drugs and alcohol²². It is vital that you help your children form attitudes towards these things early. If they know drugs and alcohol are bad long before they’re offered any, it will be easier for them to say NO if that time comes. Your children will look to you for answers only if they feel that you will be open to their questions. It’s up to you to create the kind of atmosphere in which your teenager can ask any questions.

Ages 8 to 12
Children this age usually are willing to talk openly with their
parents. Establishing a dialogue about drugs and alcohol now will help as they develop into their teenage years. Even if your questions don’t immediately result in a discussion, you’ll get your children thinking about the issue. If you show your child that you’re willing to discuss the topic of drugs and alcohol and hear what they have to say, they will be more willing to come to you for help in the future.

You can begin conversations with your children by asking them what they think about drugs and alcohol. Your children are already exposed to these issues and already receiving different messages through TV shows, movies, media and school friends.
Right now you have a wonderful opportunity to present your child with accurate information that will validate your family’s personal values and moral principles toward drugs and alcohol.

Ages 13 to 17
Children aged 11 to 14 are most concerned about drug use.²³ Use media, news stories and real-life stories to start a discussion about drugs and alcohol. Keep the discussion open and flowing as many teenagers are still willing to express their thoughts, feelings or concerns with parents about it.

Teenagers are likely to know someone who has dabbled or is using drugs or alcohol on a regular basis. It is important to talk often about the legality, potential dangers, like driving under the influence, consequences of criminal records, fines, and even the possibility of injury or early death.

Let them know that if they find themselves around drugs or
alcohol using friends, that they can contact you at any time to come and get them, without fear of being interrogated.