|
Health News
|
|
The knowledge that teens are submitting their bodies to drugs, alcohol and tobacco is one that has been around for a very long time. Parents are taught to begin drug awareness talks with their children early in life and continue to talk with them about the effects of such drugs far into their teens and beyond. But, it seems that girls are not getting the message. In a recent report published in the Washington Post, girls seem to be more likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol and tobacco than their male counterparts. The news included a 2006 survey that showed girls being just as likely, if not more likely, to have a higher risk of substance abuse, a 2006 report that girls who were smoking and abusing prescription drugs were on the rise while boys engaging in the same activities were lowering and the fact that girls are starting to close the gap of overall crashes between boys and girls.
These trends are unnerving to say the least. But, there are a few ways to make the point about the negative effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco a little more clear for both these new higher risk girls and boys.
When speaking to your child or teen about cigarette smoking, so not just focus on the most known effects, lung cancer, tell them of the effects more likely to be unappealing to them right now. Cigarette smoking can cause pale skin, early wrinkles, yellowing teeth, bad breath, stinky clothes, an ugly cough, feelings of tiredness and crankiness and trouble breathing while playing sports or attending outdoor activities with their friends.
If drugs or alcohol are the topic of discussion, try to reinforce the facts that when you are under the influence you can not make well thought out decisions. This is especially important for teen girls who may find themselves in a situation of a sexual nature. When a young girl is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, she often can not say NO! Unsafe sex can lead to unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and even death!
The best choice for parents who want to prevent both boy and girl teens from experimenting with or abusing drugs, alcohol or tobacco is to set firm rules in regards to these actions. Make sure to let your kids know how you feel about these substances and the abuse of such substances. Give them a reason to want to stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco through motivation to make the right decisions. And, the most important of all, lead by example. If a child or teen sees mom and dad abusing drugs, alcohol or tobacco, they will be more apt to believe it is okay to use those same substances, as well.
|
|
Last Updated on Friday, 19 December 2008 04:38 |
