ABUSE PROBLEMS GROW IN THE SUMMER

Summer is the dangerous time of year when it comes to teens and
marijuana. More teens try marijuana for the first time in June, July,
and August than any other time of the year (www.theantidrug.com). The
number of new underage drinkers and cigarette smokers also jumps
during the summer months.

The increase in substance abuse is likely due to teens having more
unsupervised and unstructured time in the summer. Research shows that
unmonitored teens are four times more likely to use marijuana or
engage in other risky behaviors (www.bchealthguide.org).

In order to address this problem, teens need to have access to a
variety of activities that will interest and engage them during the
summer months. Here in Vernon, teens can participate in a wide-range
of structured and diverse programs year round that give them the
opportunity for positive engagement and allow them to develop
character, leadership, and skills to last a lifetime.

The fact is that there are many positive activities they can get
involved in over summer break.

Here are some ideas:

Sports. Whether it's inline skating, soccer, baseball, volleyball, or
tennis, playing sports can be a great way to keep your kids busy
during the summer.

Encourage them to join a local sports team, to go inline skating, or
to play a couple rounds of tennis with you. It's a great way to keep
your teen drug free and spend quality time with them. Check out your
local parks and recreation department for more information.

Spectator events. Some teens enjoy cheering for their favorite team
from the sidelines. Take them to a baseball field, basketball court,
or lacrosse game to see their favorite team. Not only is it great fun,
but it also teaches teens about good sportsmanship.

Mentoring opportunities. If you have an older teen, talk to them about
mentoring opportunities. Mentoring is a great way to serve your
community and make a difference in both the mentor's life and younger
children's lives. It shows teens that they can impact the lives of
younger children positively by keeping them involved in activities and
teaching them to stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Volunteer opportunities. Another way teens can make a difference is
through volunteer work. Encourage them to volunteer at a local
community organization. Through volunteering, teens learn
responsibility while helping others. Moreover, teens have to complete
community service hours for school, and summer volunteering is a great
way to fulfill those hours.

Outdoor activities. Teens have many options when it comes to finding
something to do outdoors - fishing, camping, swimming, and hiking.

Teens like to do things in groups and they welcome a chance to hang
out with their friends. Suggest that they toss a ball or play frisbee
in a local park or take a dip in the lake or pool.

Places to go. Many places like zoos, aquariums, museums, and libraries
combine fun with learning. Urge your child to check out great places
in your neighborhood.

Finally, there are many opportunities for teens to take part in
positive activities within the community. Keeping youth busy in
positive activities leads to healthy lifestyles and gives teens better
things to do than using alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Try
talking with your teen about the type of activities that they might
enjoy and encourage them to get involved and stick with it! Have a
safe summer!