The Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Drug Awareness Committee of Thunder Bay recognize that parents play an important role in preventing drug use among youth.
Being a parent to a teenager is a very challenging job.
The key to reaching our children is through the right approach! Here are some tips to help you along the way.
- Be a good role model for your children. They learn by what they see. Drink responsibly yourself, don't drink and drive and don't abuse other substances.
- Always stay involved in your child's life. Know who their friends are, where they hang out and talk to their friend's parents. Encourage your child to join after-school programs, like sports or with church youth groups.
- As your child grows from elementary school to high school, keep talking about the risks of using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Repeating this message shows your child that it is important and increases the chances that they will remember it. Use these links to learn tips on how to talk to your kids.
- Educate your children about images that glamorize smoking, drinking, and substance use in advertising, television and films.
- Set agreed upon rules with your child. Talk about the consequences of breaking the rules and follow through when the rules are broken. Remember too, that it is just as important to reward your child when they behave appropriately.
- Be a good listener. Respect what your child has to say. Ask open questions that invite conversation, avoiding the "yes" and "no"'s
- Know the facts about drugs.
- The Tri-Force Drug Unit offers details about drugs found in our area
- The 2001 Northwestern Ontario Student Drug Use Survey gives an overall picture
of who is using what drugs and when.
- Practice refusal skills with your child so they know what to say when they face peer pressure
- Learn the signs of alcohol and drug abuse and be alert for changes in behavior or appearance
- Get help with your child if you see they have a drug problem.
In Thunder Bay, contact either:
- New Experiences Program, Lakehead Regional Family Centre 343-5000
- Sister Margaret Smith Centre-Youth Services, St. Joseph's Care Group 343-2421
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Program, Family Services, Thunder Bay 684-1880
Teenage Parties
Uncontrolled teenage parties can lead to serious problems. Damages, injuries and a disrupted neighbourhood are just the beginning. Often alcohol is part of the home party scene. As a homeowner, you are legally responsible for guests until they are sober, not just until they leave.
To reduce the chance of a party getting out of control, make the Ultimate Party Pactwith your child. This contract will guide both of you to a party that is safe and fun for everyone.
It's also a great tool to use when your child is going out to a party.