Top issues plague children
by Nancy Blanchard - posted Thursday, January 31st, 2013 @ 12:00 pm

Last week we listed four critical areas that every parent needs to monitor and assure that children are operating safely. Those areas are the internet, cell phones, drug or alcohol use and social influences. This article will address internet and cell phone use. Last week we discussed substance abuse and social influences. The other two areas of special concern for today's parents are substance abuse and social influences.

Parents can go to www.drugfree.org to keep up with trends and know the warning signs of substance abuse. You might have to check your child's belongings if you become suspicious. It is always a good idea to find out what kind of supervision will be provided when your child is at another child's house. If you determine that your child is involved with drugs or alcohol, this is a serious safety issue that has to be addressed immediately.

It will not go away. Some substances have terrible effects and can be hard to overcome if you don't respond early. Find a counselor who specializes in child or adolescent substance abuse and restrict your child's privileges. Some effective things parents can do is have an earlier curfew, take away driving privileges, and reduce the amount of money given to the child.
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