Many people are aware of the research showing there is a strong relationship between teen substance use and high-risk sexual behaviour. It is only when prevention and treatment programs attend to both concerns that young people are truly able to protect their health and safety. Parental involvement is also crucial to this process.
New research by the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health lists a total of 12 health risk behaviors that appear to be highly correlated with one another dependent on age, gender and ethnicity. The multiple risk behaviors fall into the following categories:
- Unsafe sexual behaviors;
- Unhealthy eating and exercise patterns;
- Mental health and substance use problems;
- Behaviors that contribute to violence.
Youth who report being involved in one or more of these risk behaviors were significantly more likely to be involved or become involved in additional risk behaviors over time.
Parental involvement, through supporting self-esteem, helping children manage peer pressure, and providing careful supervision, delay and reduce risk-taking for younger teens. Delayed risk-taking allows children time to develop the maturity needed to make more healthful decisions later on.
Participation in parent education programming at schools, faith-based organizations and community based organizations is one way parents can learn strategies and have a forum to discuss their concerns with experts and with other parents.
Princeton High School is offering its annual Parents' Night on alcohol and other substance use on March 24th at the Princeton High School Black Box Theater (Room 191) at 7pm. Representatives from PHS Guidance, Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, Corner House and the Princeton Borough and Township police departments will provide a panel presentation and discussion.
You may view the complete National Alliance report here: http://www.thenationalalliance.org/jan07/factsheet8.pdf
