Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

2026-04-07

Start Discussing Drug and Alcohol Dangers Now

Many elementary school families don’t worry much about talking with their children about substance abuse. They think there will still be time to discuss the dangers when their kids are in middle school.

Sadly, they’re wrong. Elementary school children are exposed to messages about drugs, tobacco and alcohol on television, in movies and in advertising. The opioid crisis has devastated many families.

Beginning the work of preventing substance abuse early is critical. Research shows that the younger the age at which children experiment with drugs and alcohol, the greater their risk of serious health problems.

Sit down now and talk with your child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Let your child know your family’s rule: no drugs ever (unless prescribed or recommended especially for you by a doctor) and no smoking, vaping or underage drinking. Then, stay tuned in to your child. Ask about what your child has heard about drugs or alcohol. Correct misinformation, and let your child ask questions. Parent-child communication on this topic is so important that some drug experts now call it the “anti-drug.”

Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District