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| 11 April 2000 Can We Talk? Local Drug Prevention Agency Underscores the Effectiveness of Parents Communicating with Kids SAN DIEGO, CA – Communities Against Substance Abuse, the San Diego alliance for the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, says parents must talk with their children about drugs and applauds results of a national survey that show more parents are doing just that. "Most experts agree that simply providing children with information about the health effects of drugs usually does NOT change behaviors," says Jo Ann Tapp, Prevention Program Coordinator for Communities Against Substance Abuse and a parent herself. "Parents themselves must become informed about the factors that influence kids' choices about drugs and alcohol. Parents can teach kids decision- making skills necessary to withstand the allure of getting high, rehearse with them the things they might say or do in response to an offer that is harmful or contrary to your values." While extremely positive, the national survey does report that at least one-third of parents don't think communicating about drug abuse prevention matters. Tapp says that parents shouldn't be put off if their words don't seem to register. "Reducing the risks that your child will ever get involved in alcohol, tobacco or other drugs is a process. The bottom line is that parents must do whatever they can to put themselves between their kids and drugs," encourages Tapp. San Diego County teenagers agree. Chenin Bridgeman, a student at El Cajon Valley High School, says this is also an opportunity for parents. "Kids are listening, they really are. The more you talk to them the more they listen. Talk, they'll listen." Sara Rapp, a senior at Granite Hills High School, agrees. "I am so glad my parents talk to me about important things as drugs. I want them to," says Rapp. Contacts: Jo Ann Tapp, Communities Against Substance Abuse. 619-442-2727 ext. 111 Chenin Bridgeman, Sara Rapp, High School Students. Suggested B-Roll Visuals: Partnership for a Drug-Free America PSA's. Call Mary Ann Dunwell for a copy if needed. 619-442-2727 ext. 115 |
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