Are the youth of America more likely to use and abuse drugs and alcohol now that they are out of school?
According to a study done by the YMCA of the U.S.A. in 2001, teens who do not participate in after school programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes or use marijuana or other drugs; they are also more likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and engage in sexual activity. With a troubled economy and parents seeking the help they need to complete tasks on behalf of their families, more and more children are being left unsupervised after school and during summer vacations. The question is: Is YOUR child at risk to be influenced by drugs and alcohol while not being occupied by school or extra curricular activities?
The summer is nearing its end and it is time to get back in the swing of things for this upcoming school year. According to the After School All-Star program, featured in 15 different areas throughout the U.S. with the inclusion of Dallas, children are most likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. These three hours are referred to as the “danger zone.” After-school programs such as the YMCA and Heart House Dallas provide stimulating after-school programs for little to no cost to guardians. After-school alternatives are also shown to get children more interested in their school work and contributing facts show that a child that is more stimulated by school activities is less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
There are other precautions that can be taken to improve the sobriety future of our young America. There are qualities such as leadership, integrity and pride that we can instill in every young life we encounter. One child, though very small, can influence two other children that influence two other children, so on and so forth. This chain reaction will keep our youth’s future at the forefront of their minds, thus keeping drugs and alcohol out.
So, is your child more likely to use drugs or drink alcohol while out of school? The answer is yes, but there are things we can do as parents, as teachers, as the youth of America to decrease these chances. Be proactive with your child and start your community’s chain reaction.
For more information on issues related to decreasing drug and alcohol use amongst teens, visit www.DPRI.com.
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