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A PARENT'S ROLE IN A TEEN'S LIFE

  • Provide firm guidance on risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, violence and sex. Talk frankly about the risks of drinking, marijuana and drug use, and sexual behavior, including the dangers of driving under the influence and substance use impact on themselves and others. Share your values and expectations. 

 

  • Respect the importance of friends but stay connected and involved. As a parent it is important for you to get to know your teen’s friends and their parents. Be sure there is a responsible, non-using adult at parties and gatherings your teen attends. Wherever you live, be sure to occasionally check on your teen and their friends.

 

  • Maintain family traditions. Involve other trusted adults in your teen’s life. 

 

  • Talk with your teen every day. If you suspect bullying, talk to your teen. Be positive and accepting. Stay connected through texting, email, and phone calls. Ask about their work, school classes, and other activities.

 

  • Continue being active in their school and activities.

 

  • Set limits and consequences. If you haven’t previously, now is the time to have formal yearly meetings where you set limits and consequences. Always leave room for negotiation - have one or two rules you know you’ll change. Rules need to include: curfew; teen’s use of media; age for dating;  alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and drug use; need to check in at various times; driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana or being in a car with someone that is under the influence. Be sure to share your values about sex. Talk about the risks of sexual behavior and discuss healthy dating relationships, including respect and responsibility. 

 

  • Help teen set goals for the future. As your teen matures help them set goals and think about life after school.

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Teen Safety Checklist

 

Getting Around

 

  • Public transportation – do they know how to use safely?

 

  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, drugs or medication

        it's important to model not driving under the influence!

 

  • Always wear a helmet on bike, scooter or skateboard.

 

  • Always wear a seat belt in a car or other vehicle. 

 

  • Make sure contact between parent/caregiver and teen is always available (cell phone, location service/app turned on).

 

 

 

Electronic safety

 

  • Make sure use of computers, smartphones, video games and other electronic devices is limited and monitored.

 

  • Turn off all technology at least one hour before bedtime. Store in supervised area. 

 

  • Discuss privacy of their body privacy and respect for self and others at all times as related to nude photos online. 

 

  • Discuss social media safety and manners.

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  • Monitor online activities and people teen interacts with for bullying.

 

  • Know teen’s online passwords, account information. 

 

  • Keep private teen’s online passwords, identification and account information  at all times.  

 

  • For their safety:

    • Teach them to never provide personal information to someone via social media.

    • Check networking pages for identifying information.

    • Check privacy setting: manually switch profile to private mode.

    • Turn off location tagging. 

    • Make sure teens connect only with people they know in real life.

    • Monitor cell phone use (texting, pictures and apps).

    • Require online use in open area where you can monitor.

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Time with friends

 

  • Agree upon hours of the day friends can visit. 

 

  • Meet and get to know teen’s friends and their parents/caregivers.

 

  • Discuss the risks of sharing needles with others (medical or substance use). 

 

  • Discuss your values regarding sexual behavior and that it should always be consensual and protected.

 

  • Yearly, discuss preteen’s/teen’s rules and obligations appropriate for their age: curfew, bedtime, phone/internet use, and driving restrictions.​

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©2019 Prevention Partnership International 

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