Background

 

In today's day and age, talking to your children about substance misuse, alcohol, or internet safety can seem a bit overwhelming. Power of Putnam is here to come alongside of you and provide you some resources to help you talk to them as well as some statistics that may surprise and encourage you as a parent. 

​

Statistics
 

• More than 80% of 10-18 year olds say their parents are the BIGGEST INFLUENCE  in their decision whether or not to use alcohol or other drugs. 
   

• Only 38% of Putnam County students reported talking with at least one parent about the dangers of using prescription drugs not prescribed to them in the past 12 months. 
   

• 53% of Putnam County students reported that they had talked with at least one parent about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use. 
   

• 48.9% of Putnam County students reported that they had talked with at least one parent or guardian about the dangers of vaping in the past 12 months. 
  
  Source:  TN Together Student Survey (Putnam County 8th, 10th, 12th grade students) , 2022-2023 

​

​

Resources

​

• SAMSHA'S Talk They Hear You Mobile App (Prepares Parents to have conversations with their kids about drugs/alcohol)
  ​

• Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals Guide for Parents (SAMHSA).
   
• Parents Guide for Talking with Your Teen About E-Cigarettes (Community in Crisis)
   
• How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health (NAMI)
   
• How to Talk to your Kids About Fentanyl (Drop the F* Bomb Campaign)
   
• 3 Tips to Talk with your Kids About Internet Safety (Cybercrime Task Force)