As the end of the school year approaches, exciting events like prom, graduation parties, and other gatherings are on the horizon. While this is a time of celebration, it is also a time when our teenage kids may feel increased pressure to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
With school stress winding down and social events ramping up, it can be easy to let our guard down and adopt a “let them have fun” mindset. However, research shows that parental guidance plays a crucial role in the choices our teens make. Your messages, expectations, and conversations play a pivotal role.
As you navigate these situations with your children, keep in mind they look to you for guidance. Keep all lines of communication open, set clear expectations, and remind them that having fun doesn’t have to involve risky behaviors. Your influence is powerful, so use it to help your kids make safe, healthy choices.
A few messages you can communicate to your child are:
- “You can always talk to me.” Create an open and safe space for your child to have honest conversations with you. Reassure them that if they ever feel unsafe, they can reach out to you for help without fear of immediate punishment.
- “Your choice of friends matters. Surround yourself with people who respect you.” Teach your child to choose friends who support them and won’t pressure them into risky behaviors.
- “Drugs and alcohol can harm your brain and body.” Explain in an age-appropriate way how substances can affect their brain and overall health.
- “You have a choice, and it is okay to say no.” Empower your child with confidence and strategies to say no without feeling awkward or left out. Remind them they don’t need alcohol or drugs to have fun.
- “Your actions now have an impact on your future.” Help your child connect the dots between their current decisions and their future goals. If their goals include college or a specific career, explain how substance use may impact their goals.
One of the most powerful ways parents can influence their children is by being strong role models. Parents can model healthy coping skills by showing how to manage stress, disappointment, and social situations without turning to alcohol or drugs.
It’s easy to think, “As long as my kid doesn’t get caught, it’s not a big deal,” but the truth is, what they do still matters, even if no one finds out. Teens take their cues from their parents, and if they think they’re okay with underage drinking or substance use, they’re more likely to take risks. The reality is that alcohol and drugs can impact their brain development, decision-making, and future opportunities. Setting clear expectations and having open, honest conversations helps kids make safer choices—not just to avoid trouble but because they understand why it matters.
Talking to your child about drugs and alcohol early sets the stage for smart choices later. Kids with open, ongoing conversations with their parents are far less likely to experiment. Instead of one big talk, keep it casual and age-appropriate so they feel comfortable coming to you with questions. Regular, open conversation helps them feel comfortable with the conversation and helps that make safe choices at every age.
As parents, our guidance and example shape the decisions our kids make, especially when it comes to substance use. By setting clear expectations, modeling responsible behavior, and keeping the conversation open as they grow, we help them navigate peer pressure and make choices that support their health and future. These conversations may not always be easy, but they are always important. Your influence is more powerful than you may realize, so keep talking, keep listening, and keep reinforcing that fun, success, and happiness don’t require drugs or alcohol. Together, we can help our kids celebrate safely and confidently.
SRSLY Chelsea offers a parent resource with important statistics and a parent action plan to help guide discussions and provide practical steps for preventing youth substance use. Visit https://qrco.de/srslyempoweringparents.
To learn more about the work SRSLY is doing for mental health and substance abuse prevention, visit srsly.org or find us on Facebook @srslychelsea or Instagram @srslychelsea_community.
About SRSLY
SRSLY Chelsea’s mission is connecting as a community to support youth mental health and prevent youth substance use through action, education, and advocacy. SRSLY receives support from the Coghlan Family Foundation, Chelsea Hospital, and the Five Healthy Towns Foundation. For more information, visit www.srsly.org or follow SRSLY on Facebook and Instagram.
