You’re here. That means you care about children and the well-being of South Dakota youth. And believe it or not, just making the effort you did to get online is one of the first steps you can take to keep kids safe. Research shows that adult/parental involvement is one of the key factors in keeping children out of trouble.
- Young people who hear/learn “no use” messages at home are 42% less likely to use alcohol.
- Two-thirds of teens say that losing their parents’ respect and pride is one of the main reasons they don’t use illegal substances.
Just by being here and being interested, you’re proving that children are a priority. The next step to keeping kids safe can be a little more difficult. That step is talking to them -talking to them about underage drinking and drinking and driving. We understand this won't be an easy conversation, so we’ve put together some guidelines and resources to help you breach the topic. Click on one of the following links for more information.
- Take advantage of daily opportunities to talk (in the car, at the dinner table)
- Use current events to raise the issue
- Give your reaction to current events
- Ask your child for his or her reaction to current event
- Don’t criticize
- Make it a discussion, not an argument
- Ask. Listen. Learn.
- Parents. The Anti-drug.
- The Partnership for a Drug-free America.
- Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free.
- Talk with Your Kids.
- Start Talking Before They Start Drinking.
- Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free.
- South Dakota Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
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