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The hours between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon have been dubbed some of the most dangerous hours for teens and pre-teens, yet many parents don’t even know the risks exist. These are the hours that teens are often left alone, unsupervised, and can get themselves into big trouble. Working parents don’t always get home when their children are done with school, so teens, old enough to take care of themselves, are left alone. Many parents see no problem with leaving their teens to get themselves home, grab a snack, and get at their homework. Parents come home around 5:00, in time to get supper on the table, ask how their kids’ day was, help them finish up their homework, and get them to bed. It may sound like a picture-perfect day, but what parents may not know is what their teens are actually doing during those hours between 3 and 5.
What Teens Do After School
These are the hours that kids are likely to get involved with drugs, alcohol, and other risky behavior. Otherwise good kids may find the time without parents around too tempting, and they may keep busy by doing things they know they can’t do when parents are around. This is especially true if kids congregate after school. If they are hanging out a one person’s house together, they aren’t going to sit and do homework. They may play video games, the boys might invite some girls over, or they might experiment with things they shouldn’t get involved with. Kids at this time of the day may try drugs that someone brings along, or sneak alcohol from their parents’ stash, or they might try inhaling household substances, like paint or glue, to get high. Still others may try the choking game or other risky activities, all in the name of having fun.
Prevent Teen Drug Abuse
It can be scary to think of what our kids could get involved with, especially when we as parents try hard to educate them on prevention. But there are things parents can do. Try to be home for your kids, even if it’s only once in a while. Let your kids know it is possible for you to drop in when they least expect it. Or have a relative or neighbor keep an eye on the house or pay a visit occasionally. Parents should not let their teen go to a friend’s house if there is not an adult at home. Parents can have their child call them at work to check in during the afternoon, and make sure all prescription pills, alcohol, and inhalants are kept locked up or hidden away. It is helpful to get teens involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, drama, or other clubs, where they are supervised and doing something constructive. It is also important to keep communication open with your teen. Keep talking about the risks of drugs and alcohol, and encourage them to come to you with any problems or questions.
Sources
Specialized officers track teen drinking
Participation in Youth Activities and Substance Use among Youths
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Barry Levinson — December 8, 2009 @ 12:54 am
This is a prime example of why parent involvement is such a key to keeping kids off of drugs. Get involved in the lives of your children! By doing so, you will be raising their self-esteem, which in turn lessens the chance of them becoming addicted to drugs.
Mike — December 8, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Thanks for the post.
When I worked in drug and violence prevention of youth this topic was first and foremost of importance. Finding safe situations for teens was always a challenge. There are lots of pressures from their peers. Afterschool programs in communities need to be funded..and not because the parents don’t care to be home. They need to work to support the household…and in some cases, most actually, both parents need to work.