The middle school years... that tricky time when kids catapult into puberty. Hormones surge, while affectionate hugs are replaced with eye rolls and dismissive behavior. It's also a time when many kids begin pushing their boundaries. One thing we do know is that when it comes to substance use prevention throughout the teen years, families and communities hold the key. Families that talk early and often about drugs and alcohol have better outcomes and can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage in risky behaviors. Many of the resources on this page will equip you with the knowledge you need to engage in those positive conversations. We continually add new resources to this page, so please check back frequently. We hope the links below will shed some light on the reasons for your adolescent's behavior, as well as provide you with the tools you need to keep your kid on a healthy path.
Families Connected Resources
What’s trending? Vaping
Visit the following resource pages for children in: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE+
National Resources
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Talk early, talk often
Current research tells us that families and communities hold the key to substance abuse prevention. We know that families matter, and that families that talk early and often about drugs and alcohol have better outcomes and can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage in risky behaviors. Additionally, if and when teens in these families do engage in risky behaviors, they are more likely to go to their parents for help. Partnerships for Drug-Free Kids breaks out talking tips for kids aged 2-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13- 18, 19 - 25. It’s never too early to talk.
Understanding your teen/pre-teen
"Your child's transition from elementary school to middle school is a critical time and calls for extra vigilance on your part." -Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Check out this exceptional, interactive explanation of the teen brain (PBS, Frontline).
Substance use prevention tools
A comprehensive family guide that you can download. (Stop Alcohol Abuse)
Find out how to better communicate with your grandchild. (Partnership for Drug Free Kids)
Geared to parents and guardians of young people ages 10 to 14, this is a comprehensive guide to help talk to your kids about alcohol. (NIAAA)
A downloadable marijuana talk kit to help parents discuss the drug with their children. (Partnership for Drug-Free Kids)
Drug guide: the science behind what each drug does to your brain and body. (NIDA)
Understand the challenge: why do youth use drugs? Their mission is to empower and educate youth, families, and communities with the knowledge and courage to identify and prevent negative youth behavior.
These articles, advice, and videos will help you discover what's appropriate at each age, find out how kids are influenced, and learn how to prevent your kid from starting harmful habits. (Common Sense Media)
Recommended articles
For More Youth Wellness Resources, Visit:
For South Bay parents and caregivers
Go to South Bay Families Connected’s landing page to view a local events, the Teen Resource Center, to sign-up for the SBFC monthly parent e-newsletter, and more.
For parents and caregivers in the U.S.A.
Visit the Families Connected landing page for non-region-specific, free youth wellness online resources.