The Partnership for a Drug-free America
Snooping – Decoder - Breaking down teen culture, substance abuse, and parenting

One million kids view drug use videos on the Internet! Yours?

Nov 11, 2008 by Steve Pasierb | Categories General, Internet, Monitoring, Setting Limits, Sex, Snooping, Teenagers, Videos, YouTube

I’ve noticed a bit of a trend over the past several months.  In talking with parents, and especially folks in the news media who are parents, they seem to be more and more attuned to issues like online predators and sexual content on the web that place their kids at risk.  They also see all the spam their own in-boxes hawking prescription drugs online.  They know talking with their kids about all this is important.

When I raise the issue of also guarding against their kids being exposed to online drug content, pro-drug use websites and literally instructive “how to” videos on binge drinking and drug use that popping up across the net, there is a level of disbelief that’s remarkable.  Sex they know. Bad guys they get.  Yet the idea that there are people out there promoting drug abuse to their kids, showing them how in exacting detail, celebrating being wrecked, just seems a degree too far out.   “That CAN’T be possible!”  “That CAN’T be legal?”  “WHO would be that stupid?” Sorry…

Nielsen Online recently did a study that looked at video streams viewed online by a sample of 13 to 18 year olds across the country.  In June 2008 alone, nearly one million teens viewed online videos promoting alcohol and drug use.  The folks at the Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland sum up the data this way, “Of the 1.2 million substance-related videos viewed by teens, 39% portrayed explicit use of alcohol or other drugs and/or intoxication. In addition, the majority (85%) of these videos had comments posted that promoted substance use. The survey also found that more than one-third (35%) of viewers of all substance-related videos were younger than 16, and females were more likely than males to watch these videos (57% vs. 43%).”

So, as a parent or caring adult, what do we do?  We have to realize that for all of the greatness and richness brought to our lives via the web, there is also the potential for harm.  Practical tips include:  1) Be clear and consistent with your kids about what online content is out of bounds.  2) Be familiar with the digital devices and web tools your kids use.  3) Keep computers in common areas of your home — family room or other central location — and limit the time your kids spend online.  4) Visit your teen’s personal blog, web site, favorite social networking sites or other postings.  5) Pay attention to the history, cookies and other tracking on your computer.

These are by no means all of the potential courses a parent can take, but the essential fact is that your child can be and is exposed to an extraordinary volume of pro-drinking, pro-drugging content on the web.  Monitoring your child plays a key role.  We need to both know and accept this is happening right now. With that knowledge we can each begin to take our own steps to safeguard our children.

What are your tips for protecting kids from dangerous online content?

  • Posted by: Steve Pasierb | 3 Comment(s)
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Is It Time For Sniff Dogs?

Oct 28, 2008 by Guest Blogger: Neil Bernstein | Categories Advice, Alcohol, Communicating, Drugs, Monitoring, Setting Limits, Snooping, Teenagers

There’s been a great deal of news coverage this past week about a new sniff dog service to find drugs in teenagers’ rooms.  I’ve been interviewed by several networks on this issue and have been struck by the intensity of both pro and con reactions from respondents.   So I’d like to clarify my position and invite concerned parents to express their views.

First and foremost, it’s quite appropriate to be concerned about alcohol and drug use in the teen community.  There’s a great deal of activity going on under the radar screen and parents need to be tuned into their child’s activities.  There are plenty of companies out there who will sell you surveillance equipment, tracking systems for internet use, private detectives to follow your child around to detect illicit activities, and most recently, drug sniffing dogs who will come to your home to uncover illicit substances.  With all the publicity out there for these “wonderful” new products and services, it’s tempting for a parent to bring in the heavy artillery to address the issue. 

I’m all for monitoring the activities of teens, providing adequate supervision, setting limits, and checking in with other parents when you’re concerned.  And I strongly urge all parents to familiarize themselves with the signs of drug use so that they can intervene when it’s indicated.  But I urge great caution when it comes to invasive interventions which may not be necessary.  There are no real shortcuts to good parenting, and in fact, the more effort we put into developing strong and open relationships with our teens, the better position we’re in to learn about what they’re up to.  So if you’re deeply concerned about your teen’s possible drug or alcohol use, start by telling them why you’re concerned, what you’ve learned, and where you stand.  Then, tell them you plan on searching their room, with or without them present, and you will continue to do so as long as you suspect drug use.  You can even put them on notice that you are prepared to notify the school, police, or appropriate agencies, if they continue to disregard your concerns.  It’s a firm, out front, and often effective intervention. 

Drastic measures should be reserved for extreme situations where all else has failed, there’s imminent danger, and your teen is not heeding your warning.  But please keep in mind that teens feel violated when they learn about secret surveillance.  It can potentially erode trust, result in teens becoming even sneakier, and further alienate them from you – the very person they need most.  So think long and hard about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what the potential repercussions are.  And be assured that there is plenty of help out there if you need it.  
 

  • Posted by: Guest Blogger: Neil Bernstein | 4 Comment(s)
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