This document provides 10 tips for parents on various risky behaviors in tweens and teens, including substance use. It notes that parents are the number one influence in a teen's life. The prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control and decision making, is not fully developed until the early 20s. As such, early substance use can lead to problems with addiction later in life. The document recommends that parents monitor their teens, communicate clear expectations, and intervene if they see warning signs of risky behavior.

1. Spencer Butte M.S.______
11/15/16
Julie Hynes & Emily Bear
Lane County Public
Health / PreventionLane

2. “TEEN-PROOF”
What it is:
–10 Tips: BASICS on various risky
behaviors in ‘tweens and teens
–Extra resources
What it isn’t:
–All of the answers
–One-size fits all approach

6. are the #1 INFLUENCE
in your teen’s life.
Image source: http://www.abc.virginia.gov/Education/underagedrinking/UnderAgeDrinking.pdf

8. Impulse control
Decision making
Memory

9. The PREFRONTAL
CORTEX is the
LAST PART to
develop.
years old!
The brain
is still
developing
until
Just like the use of alcohol & other drugs, kids who
start gambling at early ages have more problems with
addiction later in life.
Have the conversation about #braindevelopment!

12. ALCOHOL is the #1 drug
used by youth
Source: Student Wellness Survey 2012
11th Grade Students –
Past 30 Day Use
8th Grade Students –
Past 30 Day Use
Source: Oregon Student Wellness Survey.

13. Understand
ALCOHOL.

14. Youth who drink
are 8 times more
likely to smoke
cigarettes and 10
times more likely
to smoke
marijuana.
Even
occasional
heavy
drinking
injures
young
brains.
Most teens
who drink
do it at
their homes
or peers’
homes.

15. Alcohol Dependence
Rate that people
become
dependent
based on age
that drinking
starts

16. • Availability
• Potency
• Effects

17. Short-term effects
of marijuana
• Impact on learning
• Impact on short-term memory
• Likelihood of addiction increases

18. Prescriptions
•Monitor & lock them up.
•Buy only what you need.
•Dispose unused meds.

20. One in four 6th graders have used
inhalants.
• Keep track of your household products.
• Watch for warning signs.
• Educate on no mixing – some ingredients
produce deadly fumes.

21. • One teen in every classroom (4-6%) already has
problems with gambling
• Online most popular with young people
• Related with other problem behaviors…

22. • Monitor, monitor, monitor
• Keep device use in open
areas when possible
• Consider restricting mobile
browsing hours or plan
• Mobile:
• Activate GPS
• Make random checks
• Apps, etc

23. to your
advantage.
Remember what we talked
about with drinking. Zero.
 xo
Be home by 11. Have fun
& text if you need a ride.
Yep got it
ok thanks mom
Jordan
10:49PM
5:11PM

24. involve guns

25. • If possible, remove
• Store in LOCKED cabinet
• Store UNLOADED & keep
ammo separated
• Use trigger LOCK

27. • Suicide is the second-leading cause of
death among 15-25 year old Oregonians.
• Psychological issues & substance abuse
are the biggest factors.
http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyPeopleFamilies/Youth/Documents/HP2020Suicide.pdf

29. THE TAKE-HOMESUMMING things up

31. Although you can’t
“teen-proof” your teen…
• You can set clear
limits/communicate expectations.
• You can be consistent.
• You can communicate with your
teen, staying engaged.

32. Ask & Listen
• Ask
– Who
– Where
– What
– When
• Listen
– Without
judging
– Allow venting
And use technology as part of this!

33. Monitor & Act
• Set a good example.
• Pay attention to clues: restless,
withdrawal, lack of interest, different
friends, etc.
• INTERVENE if you see warning signs.
(Get intervention tips:
http://www.drugfree.org/think-child-
using/your-first-step-ask/)

34. TEENS are
LOOKING
...

35. are the #1 INFLUENCE
in your teen’s life.
Image source: http://www.abc.virginia.gov/Education/underagedrinking/UnderAgeDrinking.pdf

36. Thank you!
Other “teen-proof” tips and more:
@preventionlane