City of Jackson

Crime Prevention - Drugs

Avoid Con Games		Burglary Prevention
	Pigeon Drop Scheme		Children & Teens
	The Bank Examiner		--Drugs
	Home Repair Scam		--Violent Behavior
	Jamaican Switch Scheme	Security at Home
	Prevention Test	Security in Public Places

TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS
Preventing drugs abuse really begins with preventing drug use. Children as young as third and fourth grades feel pressured to try drugs-especially so-called gateway substance like alcohol, marijuana and tobacco. Research shows that each of these increases the chance that the user will turn to even more dangerous substance like crack, cocaine and pills. The average age of first use of illicit substance (including alcohol) is 12 years!

Constructive communication is one of the most effective tools you can use in helping your child avoid drug use. The very act of regular two-way communication shows your child that he or she means a great deal to you.

WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

The facts about how drugs harm people-young people especially. Physical harm-slowed or warped growth, impaired coordination, etc. Social harm-mental disconnection, loss of friendships, loss of interest. Educational harm-poorer grades, more difficulty studying, and so forth.
The fact that you do not find drug use acceptable. Many children say their parents never stated this simple principle.
The fact that you place high value on your child's good, special qualities-qualities that drugs can and will destroy or diminish.
The power to say no-a clear message about the behavior you expect; your trust in your child to live up to your hopes; the belief that your child, knowing right from wrong, is smart enough to choose the right.

WAYS TO COMMUNICATE

Calmly and openly-discuss frankly and without anger the facts about drugs. They are chilling in and of themselves.
In terms of subject matter, not personalities or episodes-challenging current fiends or practices simply leads to defensive and defiant behavior.
Face to face, exchanging information and understandings-let your child tell you what he or she knows about drugs, what his or her own experiences have been, what fears or concerns already exist.
Via "teachable moments"-in contrast to a formal sit-down lecture, use a variety of situations-television news, TV dramas, books, newspapers, local situations. Capitalize on one point. You'll have opportunities to make the others. Ask the child how he or she would have reacted, what else might have been done or might have happened.
As an ongoing dialogue-communication won't be effective if the subject is brought up in one massive lecture. Anti-drug use messages should be an ongoing point when you talk with your child. The content and intent should be repeated as an accepted family value. But be sure you encourage and allow for two-way communication.
By not sending mixed messages-If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and moderately. Never mix drinking or any other activity requiring skill and coordination. If you could quit. And don't use illegal substances. Period. Your child will judge your actions and be guided accordingly.
Be creative! You and your child might act out various situations in which someone tries to force someone else to take drug. Figure out two or three ways to handle each situation and talk about which is best.