Parent Action on Drugs launches Parent Action Pack
New resource helps parents guide teens in making healthier and safer decisions about alcohol and other drugs
TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Just in time for the new school year, Parent Action on Drugs (PAD) is launching the Parent Action Pack, a free online and print resource that provides parents with a toolkit of essential facts and talking points about alcohol and other drugs along with effective strategies to enable them to have meaningful discussions with their teens and guide them in making healthier and safer decisions.
"The Parent Action Pack is unique as it brings together alcohol with other commonly used drugs into one practical guide to encourage parents to talk with their teens as they head back to school and throughout the year," says Diane Buhler, Executive Director, Parent Action on Drugs. "We know that parents want reliable information that they can easily digest and apply. Our goal is to provide parents with the tools to help their sons and daughters make healthier choices and give them the confidence and resiliency to successfully deal with the stresses that impact teens today."
Alcohol is still the most frequently used drug by teens, with 80 per cent of grade 12 students reporting having a drink in the past year. Parents' influence related to drinking has grown significantly over the past 10 years and a recent survey reports that three-quarters of surveyed teens said their parents were their leading influence in their decisions about drinking.
In addition to alcohol, the brochure also covers a number of other common drugs such as caffeine, marijuana and prescription pills readily available to (and used by) youth. In fact, a third of students in grades 10-12 report being offered, sold or given a drug at school once in the past year.
The Parent Action Pack can be downloaded for free at www.parentactionpack.ca. Parents can also visit this website as a regular source for additional facts, references and links to new sources of information and research related to teens. Information about the studies and science behind the resource are also outlined on the website. In addition, print copies can be ordered by contacting PAD.
The Parent Action Pack is also packaged with the fall issue of LCBO's consumer magazine, FOOD&DRINK, available at LCBO stores across Ontario starting September 4.
"As a socially responsible retailer, every day in each of our 635 stores across Ontario our frontline staff refuse service to minors," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "We're pleased to promote The Parent Action Pack as it's a valuable resource for every parent of a teen to help promote fact-based, effective discussions about alcohol and other drugs."
PAD thanks the LCBO for supporting the development, production and distribution of the Parent Action Pack.
Parent Action on Drugs (PAD) was started 30 years ago by a group of parents concerned about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the lives of their teenage children. Since then, PAD has become a leader in developing programs and resources for youth, parents, professionals and community members. For more information and other resources from PAD, visit our website at: www.parentactionondrugs.org.
FACT SHEET: PARENT ACTION ON DRUGS NEW PARENT ACTION PACK
What is it?
The Parent Action Pack is a free online resource providing parents with up-to-date, research-based information about teen development and alcohol and other drugs.
The Parent Action Pack will help parents and other caregivers to:
- understand how teenagers think
- get the facts about alcohol and other drugs, including caffeine, marijuana and prescription drugs
- use effective strategies and talking points to have meaningful conversations with teens
- make the most of their influence with their sons and daughters
Where can you get it?
The Parent Action Pack can be downloaded for free at www.parentactionpack.ca. Copies can also be ordered by contacting Parent Action on Drugs (see below).
The Parent Action Pack brochure is also packaged with the fall issue of LCBO's consumer magazine, FOOD&DRINK, available at LCBO stores starting September 4.
The Facts
- More than 50 per cent of Ontario students in grades 7 through 12 reported having had one or more drinks in the past year. This rate increases to almost 80 per cent by the time they reach grade 12.
- One in three teens who drink say their drinking has caused problems for themselves or someone else.
- Boys have cut back on heavy drinking, but girls haven't.
- Girls get drunk faster than boys—even if they drink at the same rate.
- One in five students report having had an energy drink in the past week.
- 21 per cent of Canadian students report mixing energy drinks with alcohol.
- 14 per cent of Ontario students report using a prescription pain killer that wasn't prescribed for them.
- 22 per cent of Ontario students say they've used marijuana at least once in the past year. By grades 11 and 12, that increases to more than one-third of all students.
- 7 per cent of Ontario students report using over-the-counter cough and cold medications to get high.
Visit www.parentactionpack.ca to learn more about the studies and science behind the Parent Action Pack.
For more information, contact: Diane Buhler, PAD Executive Director, Tel: 416 395-4970; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.parentactionondrugs.org.
SOURCE: Parent Action on Drugs (PAD)
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Diane Buhler
PAD Executive Director
Tel: 416 395-4970; E-mail: [email protected]
Stephanie Petroff
LCBO Senior Communications Consultant
Tel: 416 864-6792; E-mail: [email protected]
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