The high school years can be an anxious time in your child’s life, and
perhaps yours as well. As teens set their sights on making the grade and making their
way in the world, the stresses can begin to add up for the entire family. You’ve worked
hard to encourage your child in school. But you might not be aware of the increased risk
for drug use during this important life phase, or of the impact marijuana can
have on a teen’s ability to learn and succeed.
Teens are at a critical point in building the academic foundation for the rest of their lives. But
experts agree, marijuana has no place in the equation for success. Consider this:
- Teens who begin marijuana use at an early age when the brain is still developing may be more vulnerable to neuropsychological deficits, especially verbal abilities.I (Source)
- Researchers have found that heavy marijuana use impairs the ability of teens to concentrate and retain information.II This can be especially problematic during peak learning years. (Source)
- Research has discovered that teens with an average grade of "D" or below are more than four times as likely to have used marijuana in the past year as youth who reported an average grade of "A."III (Source)
- The more a student abuses substances, the lower his grade point average is likely to be. Further, those who drink underage or use drugs are up to five times more likely than their peers to drop out of high school.IV (Source)
Don’t let drugs or alcohol compromise your child’s ability to learn. The good news is that teen drug use and underage
drinking have dropped in the past two years. Help keep that trend going by staying involved in your teen’s school life
and share these facts about marijuana. Be clear about your expectations, because the rules you set and enforce today will
make all the difference in your teen’s life tomorrow.
Signed,
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Pediatrics
American School Counselor Association
The Center for College Health and Safety
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
National Association of Asian and Pacific-American Education
National Student Assistance Association
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
United Negro College Fund
TheAntiDrug.com 1-800-788-2800
American Academy of Family Physicians
The American Academy of Family Physicians is one of the largest national medical organizations, representing more than 94,300 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students nationwide. Founded in 1947, its mission is to preserve and promote the science
and art of family medicine and to ensure high-quality, cost-effective health care for patients of all ages.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to
attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. To this purpose, the AAP and its members dedicate their efforts and resources.
American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they
achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Today, HACU represents more than 350 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. Although our member institutions in the U. S. represent less than 7% of all higher education
institutions nationwide, together they are home to more than two-thirds of all Hispanic college students.
National Student Assistance Association
The National Student Assistance Association (NSAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Formerly known as the National Association of Student Assistance Professionals (NASAP), the association was founded in 1987 by professionals who where concerned about the
problems of student substance abuse, violence and academic under achievement. In 2003 the membership changed its name to NSAA.
The Center for College Health and Safety
The Center for College Health and Safety assists colleges and universities in developing, implementing, and evaluating prevention policies and programs to address a broad range of health and safety issues at institutions of higher
education. The Center also conducts research to expand current knowledge about effective strategies in promoting health and preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, violence and injuries, and high-risk sexual activity.
National Association of Asian and Pacific-American Education
The National Association for Asian and Pacific American Education was established in 1977 to promote the needs of Asian and Pacific American (APA) students. Its principal objectives are to address the educational issues and needs of Asian and Pacific Americans.
Partnership for a Drug Free America
The PDFA is a private non profit non partisan coalition of professionals from the communications industry. Its mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in America through media communication.
United Negro College Fund
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest, oldest, most successful and most comprehensive minority higher education assistance organization. UNCF provides operating funds and technology enhancement services for 38 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) scholarships
and internships for students at almost 1,000 institutions and faculty and administrative professional training.
