The back-to-school season marks a time of mixed emotions for children and teenagers alike, filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, stress and anxiety. As kids get ready to return to their classrooms and campus life, it’s the perfect time to start family conversations about what they’re looking forward to, as well as what they might be worried about. Some kids may be facing individual challenges that cause them stress and anxiety when they think about getting back to school.
Why are these conversations important? There is a link between mental wellness and substance use, especially in young people.
Youth aged 15-24 are more likely to experience both mental health issues and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. Recent studies highlight a concerning trend: these is an increasing number of young people are reporting feelings of anxiety and depression. This rise in stress levels correlates with higher reported rates of substance use as a way to cope with uncomfortable feelings like stress, anxiety or depression. Approximately 40% of youth who use substances such as cannabis use them to cope or manage their stress.
With this in mind, how do we as parents prevent our kids from using substances as a coping mechanism?
One way is to have open and honest conversations about drugs – even if a parent doesn’t know everything about a particular drug. Just talking with kids helps promote a sense of connectedness and builds supportive family relationships that can reduce the risk factors associated with early substance use. Discuss with them some of the healthier things they could do to cope with any stress and anxiety they might be feeling – like doing sports they like, hanging out with friends, playing music or doing something creative, taking a walk or bike ride, reading a book or writing in a journal.
Parents play a pivotal role in promoting their children’s holistic well-being and academic success during the back-to-school season by prioritizing age-appropriate conversations and support strategies that reflect a child’s age.
Middle School: Pre-teens – Ages 9-12
Middle schoolers are navigating newfound independence amidst emotional vulnerability. They may experience peer pressure, body consciousness, and fluctuating self-esteem. Parents can foster open communication by discussing substances like smoking and vaping, alcohol, and cannabis. It’s crucial to maintain a supportive tone, encouraging discussions rather than lectures. Building trust through understanding and setting clear, consistent boundaries can help guide their decision-making positively.
High School: Teens – Ages 13-18
Teenagers in high school are asserting their independence while exploring personal interests and passions. They may face increased exposure to substances like alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis, which can be exacerbated by peer influences and social pressures. Parents can engage in meaningful conversations that emphasize mutual respect and honesty. For a teen, understanding the risks associated with substance use, including the dangers of opioids, high potency THC, and the prevalence of vaping, is important. Establishing open communication channels and fostering a supportive environment can empower teens to make informed choices.
College and University: Young Adults Ages 19-24
For young adults entering college or university, the transition marks a significant step towards independence. Most students will encounter alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs in campus environments. It’s essential for parents to maintain open communication while respecting their child’s autonomy. Discussions should include responsible alcohol and cannabis use, emphasizing personal safety and avoiding impaired driving. Given the link between stress, anxiety, and substance use among young adults, encourage them to be aware of their mental health and to find activities and behaviors that support their overall wellness instead of using substances to cope.
Build strong ties by talking
As families prepare for the upcoming school year, initiating conversations about substance use and mental health is crucial. By understanding the unique challenges faced by children and teenagers at different developmental stages, parents can tailor their support strategies effectively.
It’s good to know that not every young person will develop a substance use issue, but having drug safety conversations with them can strengthen the protective factor of strong connections. Kids who report feeling connected to their parents, families, or communities have less incidence of problematic substance use.
By building open, trusting relationships with kids and leveraging available resources on youth and substance use, parents can guide their children towards informed, healthier choices, ensuring they approach the new school year with confidence and resilience.
Drug Free Kids Canada offers valuable resources and tools for families such as a guide to age-appropriate conversations, along with a variety of informational resources and tools to educate and engage parents and families.
Drug Free Kids Canada also hosts informative webinars for parents on navigating substance use conversations with children and teenagers. Our Let’s Talk Drugs webinar entitled “A Strong Start: Guiding your kids through Back-to-School challenges” takes place September 10th at noon. Register here for this informative lunch and learn.
Some final tips for parents:
- Maintain regular check-ins and discussions about stress levels and well-being.
- Foster a supportive home environment that encourages open communication.
- Stay informed about current trends and risks associated with substance use.
- Seek professional guidance or support when needed, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and proactive parenting. The Parent Support Hub offers immediate 24 / 7 assistance and access to counselling to parents with questions about their child’s substance use. It’s a free service on the Drug Free Kids Canada website.
Register for the webinar.
