For Immediate Release
August 23, 2010
Winston-Salem, N.C. – According to new research from The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, teens are immersed in various forms of electronic media for 53 hours a week.
The research also shows more than one-third of parents are concerned the amount of media consumption hinders their ability to find time to communicate with their children, especially ages eight to 18.
As a result The Partnership for a Drug-Free America and Drug-Free NC are launching the "Time To Talk" campaign as a new school year approaches.
"Back-to-school is a time of new beginnings for teens, but also marks new challenges with added pressure from peers, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Parents, as well as religious and education leaders, need to take every opportunity to be a part of candid conversations with our youth," says Drug-Free NC C.E.O., Bert Wood.
The study shows parents worry mediums ranging from television to Twitter detract from discussions about risky behavior, especially drug and alcohol abuse. This news comes at a time when teen substance abuse is already on the rise for the first time since 1998. In fact 75 percent of teens report "their friends get high at parties."
The "Time To Talk" campaign shows parents how to find teachable moments in every day life to begin conversations about substance abuse. It also focuses on helping parents learn how to use new media to communicate with their children.
All the information, including a downloaded "text messaging cheat sheet," can be found by visiting drugfreenc.org on the home page. Click on the link "Time To Talk."
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