Blog
Stay informed, confident, and connected. Explore our latest articles on prevalent substances, parenting tips, mental health support, and more. You'll find expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tools to help you navigate parenting challenges while supporting your teen's overall well-being.
The Latest on Marijuana - New Study, Products and Trends
Now that adult use of recreational cannabis is legal in nine states and medical marijuana is legal in 30 states, we have seen a decrease in the perception of harm by teens and an increase in use on a national level. For example, 71% of high school seniors don't view marijuana use is harmful to them because it is seen as a "natural herb".
Legal Consequences of Minors with Alcohol
In addition to social host citations discussed below, teens can suffer legal consequences for underage possession, consumption, purchase of alcohol or public intoxication under “minor in possession”, “open container” and other laws.
Parenting Tips: Helping Prevent Teen Alcohol and Drug Use
While you may not want to be a hovering helicopter parent, now is the time to "lean in" as a parent, especially during the freshman and sophomore years. Below are tips to help you do that. Pick and choose among them, according to your teen's age, temperament, maturity, and proven trustworthiness.
Parents Modeling Behavior
If Marin youth are to grow up with a proper understanding of the effects of alcohol and the implications of excessive drinking, then they should be able to look to their parents for guidance — and parents should know that when they’re under the influence, their children can be influenced too.
The Research on Parents Who Allow Partying or “Look the Other Way”
Simply put, the premise that parents are keeping their teens “safe” when they provide a place to party and look the other way on alcohol and drug use by their teens, albeit well-intentioned, is a false one.