Talk With Youth About MARIJUANA
Talking with youth about marijuana can be difficult, but it's the best way to help them make good decisions. The more informed you are, the more helpful you can be to the youth in your life.
Check out Partnership for Drug-Free Kids for more on how to talk with your teen about drug use.
Advice for Parents
Talking with your kids about non-medical marijuana can help keep them from using. These tips can help you get started.
Ages 13-16
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Start the ConversationIt’s important to talk with youth and start the conversation early. Don’t try to squeeze it in on the way to school or when you only have a few minutes. Find time to have these conversations that works for both of you.
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ListenBe a good listener. Get their opinion. Don’t talk over or down to them. When you allow them to be heard, they’re more likely to listen when you speak.
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Set Clear RulesMake your rules clear and stick to them. Let them know what will happen for not following them.
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Role-play How to Say "No"Work with youth to find tools to deal with peer pressure. Many youth don’t realize saying no can be as simple as saying, “If I get caught, I won’t be able to do sports, theater, dance, etc.” Also, encourage youth to use you as an excuse to avoid marijuana use. For example, “My parents would ground me for the summer.”
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Focus on the PositiveEncourage them to make choices that help them achieve their goals. Remind them that four out of five high schoolers don’t use marijuana.
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Talk About FriendsKnow who their friends are, what they’re like and how they influence the youth in your life.
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Build ConfidenceTeach them that if they want to reach their goals, they need to focus on more than just marijuana. Being labeled a “pothead” could hurt their chances of getting a job or even dating someone they like.
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Keep Your Relationship StrongLet them know you’re on their side. You want them to make the best decisions for themselves.
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They Care What You ThinkYou might be surprised at the effect that your words, actions and opinions can have on your child’s choices.
Ages 17-20
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Keep TalkingEven if you’ve talked before, their issues and opinions change all the time. Plus, as children get older, they can feel more pressure from friends and classmates.
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Stay ConnectedBe involved in their life. It will help you to be able to key into what they’re thinking and feeling.
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Set Clear RulesMake your rules clear and stick to them. Let them know what will happen for not following them.
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Give Them ResponsibilityTeach them to take charge of their own sleep, health, schoolwork and more. Having control over parts of their lives helps to teach youth how their decisions impact their health and future.
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Keep Them BalancedCelebrate the things they do well and the things that keep them balanced. Getting a job or scoring a goal in a big game are good examples.
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Stick To Your WordListening to how they feel is important. Also, remember to stand your ground on how you feel about marijuana.
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Help Them Achieve Their GoalsHelp them figure out what their hobbies and dreams are and what freedoms they want. Help them prioritize those interests over using marijuana. If they’re focused on goals that mean a lot to them, they’ll be less likely to let marijuana get in their way.
Advice for Teachers, Coaches, Family Members & More
What you think matters to the young people in your life. As an adult who they trust, you can impact the choices of the youth you work with. What you say, and the example you set, makes a difference. These tips can help you get talking.
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Remind Them That They're Role ModelsLet them know that younger students and siblings look up to them as examples. Learn more about the different ways youth can use marijuana so you know what to look out for.
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Remind Them What Can Happen for Breaking the RulesTeens that break school rules may have to go to drug counseling. They can also be suspended or kicked out of school or off a team. They can also face prosecution.
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Effect on School and SportsStress the fact that teens who use marijuana regularly may have trouble learning and memory issues. They may also have lower math and reading scores. Marijuana can also affect the way they play sports because it can affect coordination.
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Learn How Teens Are Using MarijuanaKids may try to use marijuana at school or during school activities. Learn the different ways youth can use marijuana so you know what to look out for.
