Marijuana and Academic Success Tips

As teens go through high school and prepare for college they are at an increased risk for drug use and drinking. At this critical time in their academic lives, parents need to be clear: smoking marijuana could threaten their academic success. Good parenting combines love and limits. Parents can make the grade in keeping their kids drug-free by following the S-U-C-C-E-S-S tips below:

Stay informed about your teen's progress in school and other activities
Stay in touch with the adult supervisors of your child (teachers, school counselors and coaches) and have them inform you of any changes in your teen's academics or behavior. Get to know your child's friends and their parents. Help your teen with homework assignments and projects. Limit time spent watching TV and using the Internet.

Understand challenges facing your teen as they enter high school
The high school years can be an anxious time in your child's life. Highly stressed teens are twice as likely as teens with a low level of stress to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs. Be supportive and responsive to your teen's needs, help your teen cope with stress and teach them skills to handle peer pressure.

Communicate with your teen about the harmful physical, mental and social effects of marijuana and other drugs
Young people who learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to try drugs than their peers who don't get that same information from their parents. Look for teachable moments in everyday life to keep the conversation ongoing.

Check in with your teen after school
The danger zone for drug use is between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. If you are unable to be home at these times, arrange for your teen to check in with you periodically from a landline phone, so that you can confirm where they are. If your child will be with friends, make sure there is adult supervision – not just an older sibling. Check in with parents of your child's friends.

Engage your teen in supervised activities
Teens involved in supervised after school activities or programs were less likely to have used cigarettes, alcohol or illicit drugs in the past month than youths who did not participate in those kinds of activities during the past year.

Set clear rules and let your teen know that marijuana use is unacceptable
Parental disapproval plays a strong role in preventing drug use. Youth who believed that their parents would strongly disapprove of marijuana use had usage rates over 80 percent lower than those whose parents would not strongly disapprove. Set limits with clear consequences for breaking them; praise and reward good behavior.

Spend time with your teen and build a sense of connection
Teens who spend time, talk and have a close relationship with their parents are much less likely to drink, take drugs or have sex. It's important to encourage your teen to talk to you about their thoughts and feelings, fears and concerns. Plan a family activity with your teen in the coming weeks, such as taking a walk or sharing a meal.

More on Marijuana:

• Marijuana and Mental Health
  Learn how teen marijuana use can increase the risk for mental health problems, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia.
• Talk to Your Teen
  Afraid to discuss your own experiences with marijuana? Don’t be. An honest conversation is an effective teaching tool.
• Quiz Yourself
  Do you know how long marijuana can stay in the body?