The Issue

According to a survey of 7 – 12th graders in Montgomery County:

  • Alcohol and cannabis are the most used substances by youth, especially when normalized at home.
  • 40% have never talked to their parents about the impact of substance use.
  • 15% who consumed alcohol had their first sip at age 8 or earlier.
  • 38% who consumed alcohol said they received it from a parent or parent’s friend.

You Can Be Part of the Solution

Talk to your kids about substance use and other important safety considerations.

Family are leaving the campsite they are staying in to go for a hike with the dog.

Safely Host Youth

Set expectations and discuss your plans with other parents.

  • Agree on a guest list and don’t admit others.
  • Discuss ground rules before the party starts.
  • Encourage your child to plan the party with a responsible friend.
Full length portrait of happy black family embracing on porch of new house, copy space

Substance and Medication Safety

Take action to help ensure youth have decreased contact with legal substances (like cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and medication) in your home.

  • Put substances in a designated, locked location.
  • Model the behaviors you want to see in your children by not drinking, smoking, or vaping in excess.
  • Store all medications (prescription or over-the-counter) in a locked cabinet.

Firearm Safety

Talk to your child about gun safety, even if you don’t own a firearm.

  • Make sure any firearms are stored and locked properly.
  • Have direct conversations with other parents about gun safety in their homes.

Healthy Relationships

Have discussions about boundaries and consent.

  • Help your child identify safe people and spaces in the home.
  • Establish code words, emergency contacts, or other strategies so your child has an “out” from any uncomfortable situations.
  • Ensure your child is not left alone or unsupervised.

Social Media and Gaming

Start the conversation about the importance of online safety.

  • Have conversations about online safety and set parental controls.
  • Ask other parents how they monitor online activity.
  • Talk to youth about the risks of sharing personal information online.
  • Encourage them to talk to an adult if they come across someone or something suspicious.

The Good News

These trusted strategies are making a big difference for children in Ohio.

  • 72% of Ohio’s youth 17 and under state that they have never had a drink of alcohol.*
  • The number of youth who state they have never had a drink of alcohol (72%) is the highest number that has been reported in 8 years.*

The presence of one caring adult is the number one factor that keeps youth from using substances.

* Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey, 2019

Ready to commit to utilizing these healthy strategies in your home?

Take the Pledge