In conversations with your child, steer the subject to drugs and why they're harmful. If you can ingrain this information in your children well before they are faced with making difficult choices, experts say they'll be more likely to avoid rather than use.

In fact, teenagers who say they've learned a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are much less likely to try marijuana than those who say they've learned nothing from them.

You don't need to fear that by introducing the topic of drugs, you're "putting ideas" into your children's heads, any more than talking about traffic safety might make them want to jump in front of a car. You're letting them know about potential dangers in their environment so that when they're confronted with them, they'll know what to do.

Parents should use some of their good conversation time with teens to make it clear that they don't want them to use marijuana. Parents should state clearly to their kids that they would be very disappointed if they started using marijuana. Marijuana puts kids at risk. It is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. Marijuana use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person's development. Getting high also impairs judgment, which can wreak havoc on teens in high-pressure social situations, leading to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity or riding with someone who is driving high.

All of this can be communicated in a loving way: "I love you and I want the best for you, so I hope you won't try marijuana."

Introducing the topic of drugs

If you hear something you don't like (perhaps a friend smokes marijuana or your child confesses to trying beer at a party), it is important not to react in any way that cuts off further discussion. If he seems defensive or assures you that he doesn't know anyone who uses drugs, ask him why he thinks people use them.

Discuss whether the risks are worth what people may get out of using them and whether he thinks it would be worth it to take the risks. Even without addiction, experimentation is too great a gamble. One bad experience, such as being high and misjudging how long it takes to cross a busy street, can change - or end - a life forever. If something interrupts your conversation, pick it up the next chance you get.

Source: The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's Behavior Change Expert Panel.

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