Helping Your Child Say 'NO' to Drugs and Alcohol

The Problem? What Problem?
If you find it hard to believe that a child in elementary, middle, or junior high school is old enough to be concerned about alcohol and other drugs, you are not alone. But the plain truth is, children are concerned. A national survey conducted by Weekly Reader Periodicals found that:

Four out of ten sixth graders say there is pressure from other students to use alcohol and other drugs.

Approximately 35 percent of fourth graders believe that drinking is a "big problem" for their age group.

As a parent, you have a special opportunity to prevent alcohol and other drug problems. Why? Because starting prevention efforts early is very important. Peer pressure begins at young ages. This is a time when you can openly discuss the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use with your child, and prepare him or her for this peer pressure that will come in the near future;if it is not here already.

What shall I say to my child about alcohol and other drugs?
First, choose what educators refer to as a "teachable moment." This is simply a relaxed time when you can casually bring up the subject of alcohol and other drugs as opposed to a "formal talking to." Good time might be when you see drinking and other drug situations on TV or in magazine ads, if someone smokes in a restaurant, or if you're serving alcohol as part of a holiday meal.

Surveys have revealed that children and teenagers get a lot of their ideas about alcohol and other drugs from TV and movies. Yet many of these perceptions may be wrong. You can dispel some of the myths by making sure your child understands:

While the media portray drinkers and smokers as attractive and talented, in real life there are just as many attractive and talented nondrinkers and nonsmokers.

Alcohol and other drugs can dull judgement and muscle control and they don't solve one's problems
Drinking is an activity for adults only; but drinking won't turn a minor into an adult. Only time and experience do that. Drinking is illegal for minors, and so is smoking in most states. And minors may be taken to special youth courts for breaking the law.

People shouldn't depend on alcohol and other drugs to help them make friends. To grow into well-adjusted adults, children must learn the social skills involved in making friends without depending on alcohol and other drugs.

Everybody is not drinking, smoking and doing drugs. Only about 10 in 100 people have tasted alcohol or tried drugs by the time they're in the sixth grade. Myths die hard though. Nationally, among fourth graders surveyed, 26 percent think their peers have tried alcohol. This proportion rises to 46 percent by the sixth grade.

How can I prevent my child from focusing on alcohol or drugs out of boredom or idle curiosity?
The answer to this question is to encourage healthy, creative activities, and here are two ways to do this:

Support your child's involvement in school activities, sports, hobbies, or music without pressuring your child to always win or excel. The specific activity is not important; when the child has positive interests he or she may be less likely to focus on alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs out of a lack of anything else to do.

Spend time with your child. The key here is togetherness; surveys show that children appreciate the time parents spend with them even if doing chores is involved.

Source: It Starts on the Frontline/February 1997, published by the National School Public Relations Association, 15948 Derwood Road,Rockville, MD 20855: (301) 519-0496.

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