Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging families who are at home and social distancing to use it as an opportunity to talk about the risks of underage drinking and drug use with their children.
Every year, as part of MADD’s Power of Parents program, Spring is designated “PowerTalk 21” — a time for parents to initiate or revisit conversations about upcoming events where alcohol or drugs may be more prevalent.
MADD is now expanding the online availability of PowerTalk 21, “Weed Out Fact from Fiction” to reach families at home.
It comes as new research has revealed one in three middle school students have consumed marijuana by the time they finish middle school, and one in eight middle school students reported consuming marijuana in the past month.
The new research and well-known facts about the dangers of underage drinking, are all featured in this year’s program.
“Traditionally, this has been a crucial time to start having conversations or to renew them,” said MADD National President Helen Witty. “The spring months are filled with milestone events like spring break, prom and graduation, occasions that can increase the presence of alcohol and other drugs.
“We recognize that many of these events have been canceled or could be canceled in the coming weeks. We also recognize that in time, our children and grandchildren will return to school. Local businesses will reopen. And the risks of underage alcohol and drug use will remain.”
Free Facebook Live presentations of the latest research and tips for parents to start conversations with their underage children are taking place every Wednesday in April at noon on MADD’s Facebook page @MADD.Official and a free download of the Power of Parents Handbook for parents of middle school and high school students is available at http://www.madd.org/powerofparents.
