According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Youth and Health, there is a 38% increase in first-time use of marijuana during June, July, and August, compared to the rest of the year. During these summer months an average of 6,300 youth tries marijuana for the first time each day. The same study reports that the number of new underage drinkers and cigarette smokers also jumps during the summer months. Of youth on San Juan Island who reported their age the first time they tried marijuana, alcohol and tobacco, the average age of first-time use of marijuana = 13, alcohol = 12, and tobacco = 11 (2004 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey).

Research shows that unmonitored teens are four times more likely to use marijuana or engage in other risky behaviors. Kids equate summer with ‘freedom’, but for parents, it’s a time to be more involved with their teens’ lives.

Here’s a Summer Activity Checklist for Parents to use with their teens:

Set rules. Have you set clear rules with your kids letting them know that drug and alcohol use is unacceptable? Two-thirds of kids say that upsetting their parents and respect for their family and friends is one of the main reasons they don’t use drugs and alcohol. Set limits with clear consequences. Praise and reward good behavior.

Communicate. Have you talked with your teen in the past month about the effects of drugs/alcohol? Young people who learn about the risks of drugs at home are less likely to try drugs than those who don’t. Look for those communication opportunities in everyday life to bring up these important issues and ask your teen what (s)he thinks of drug/alcohol use.

Monitor Your Teen’s Activities and Behavior. Have you checked to see where your teen is today? Teens that are not regularly monitored by their parents are more likely to use drugs/alcohol. Know where your teens are and surprise them sometime by making sure they are where they say they are.

Stay Involved in Your Teen’s Life. Have you talked with your teen about what’s going on in his/her life? Has (s)he recently experienced peer pressure? Also, talk with other adult supervisors of your child (coach, employer, friends, etc.) and have them inform you of any changes they may see in your youth’s behavior.

Engage Your Teen in Summer Activities. Have you helped plan summer activities to keep your teen active? Teens who are involved in constructive and adult-supervised activities are less likely to use drugs.

Reserve Time for Family. Have you planned a family activity with your teen, such as going with them for a hike or bowling? Teens who spend time with their parents talk with them more, have a stronger relationship, and are less likely to drink, use drugs and have sex.

What Teens Can Do to Stay Drug-Free this Summer
1. Get a job.
2. Learn a new activity or sport.
3. Take a summer class.
4. Volunteer somewhere.
5. Create your own business (mowing lawns, selling creative crafts you’ve made, etc.).
6. Talk with your parents and/or a trusted adult often.

The good news is that the trend of marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use is decreasing. Despite the good news, there is still work to do in reducing substance use amongst youth. Call Susie Teague, San Juan Island Prevention Coalition at 378-9683 or email at: [email protected] for additional resources.

Other websites: www.theantidrug.com, www.mediacampaign.org, and www.freevibe.com.


Susie Teague, BS Psychology, BA Therapeutic Recreation, is the new Executive Coordinator for San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, working towards reducing substance use in youth and creating community culture supporting healthy choices and responsible behaviors amongst youth and adults.