Graduation Guidance

It is that time of the school year when parents may feel like it’s one thing after another for our teens. It seems like we just got over spring break, then prom, and BAM – graduation is here!

While it’s a beautiful time to celebrate and make memories, it also poses a risk for our youth, who can be tempted by alcohol and drugs. It’s up to us, parents, to prevent this risk from happening, to be there for our children, and help them avoid these situations and risks. The 2020 Arizona Youth Survey reports that 79% of Buckeye youth say parental disapproval is the main reason for not using alcohol or drugs. “Parents have more influence than they think,” states WOW Coalition Director Larry Tracey. “The facts are, parent DISAPROVAL greatly reduces underage drinking and drug abuse.”

It only takes a few minutes to talk to our kids about the dangers of alcohol, and it only takes a few minutes for them to decide to say “yes” or “no.” Buckeye’s Way Out West Coalition (WOW) urges parents to help kids be on the right side of the decision-making process. Those few minutes it may take can change an entire life of consequences.

Here are some tips from Buckeye’s Way Out West Coalition (WOW Coalition) to help parents keep their teens safe and healthy during graduation celebrations.

Reinforce Expectations. Being an upperclassman has its privileges, but it also has its responsibilities. Re-establish the rules and the consequences for breaking them. While it may be okay to loosen the reins a bit, it must be clear that drinking and drug use remain unacceptable. Make Each Moment Count. Teens only get one junior/senior year. Let them know you don’t want them to miss out on things because of bad choices like drinking and drug use.

Help Plan.

Know your child’s itinerary, including who they will be with and phone numbers of where they can be contacted. Establish call-in times and give them the option of calling you at any time for help or advice, which includes picking them up if needed.

Provide Safe Alternatives. Plan chaperoned alcohol-free parties.

The WOW Coalition is a prevention association that promotes safe and healthy choices and responds to problems caused by alcohol, marijuana, and Rx abuse by implementing strategies to prevent and reduce youth substance use. For additional information, visit http://www.wowcoalition.org or email info@wowcoalition.org