Parental Guidance Crucial in Ending Cannabis Use Among the Youth

By Maawiya Mohammed

Parental guidance and support play a pivotal role in preventing cannabis use among youth and teenagers. Parents or caregivers serve as primary moral compasses for adolescents and youth, shaping their attitudes and behaviors towards substance use. This is especially important when you consider the reasons that drive this age bracket into cannabis use are problems that could be solved by parental counsel and support.
This has been confirmed by a recent study by the Education Development Center dubbed ‘Preventing Youth Marijuana Use: Factors Associated with Use’. The research highlights the significance of parental involvement in preventing cannabis consumption among this demographic. The study identifies various risk factors, including lack of open communication between parents and children, school and life-related stressors, loneliness, anxiety, and family relationship issues, such as violence and substance use, as contributors to cannabis use among youth.

Looking at the risk factors mentioned above, addressing them requires proactive parental intervention and support.
First and foremost, parents need to develop an open communication line between them and their children. Teenagers and youth in nature, often face numerous challenges, ranging from academic pressures, social anxieties, break-ups to stress, and having a supportive environment where they can openly discuss their concerns can mitigate the temptation to turn to cannabis as a coping mechanism. However, the first steps towards this is by being approachable. Having a friend-like, parent-child relationship will go a long way in getting them to open up.

Secondly, parents should set boundaries with their children. Setting clear boundaries, expectations and non-negotiables regarding substance use is essential as parents are able show their kids what is accepted and what is not. By clearly communicating that drug use is not tolerated within the family, parents can effectively discourage experimentation with cannabis.

Additionally, parents should foster a positive relationship filled with love with their children. Children need to feel loved and supported and so a strong and positive family support system filled with love from a young age can lead to better health mentally. This reduces the chance of depression and other mental health problems such as traumas that may arise from parental violence for example, which means that the children are less likely to use cannabis and other drugs to cope.

Lastly, parents should strive to lead by example. Children tend to emulate parental behavior, making it imperative for parents to model responsible decision-making and abstinence from substance use. You know what they say about the apple, right? That it doesn’t fall far from the tree. A kid who sees his parent indulge in substance abuse is likely to do the same.

In conclusion, parents are pivotal influencers in shaping their children's attitudes and behaviors towards cannabis use. By establishing clear boundaries, maintaining open lines of communication, and leading by example, parents can effectively steer their children away from the potential harms of cannabis. Through nurturing trust, understanding, and support, parents empower their children with the knowledge and resilience needed to navigate peer pressure and make informed choices. Ultimately, it is within the family unit that the strongest foundation for drug prevention is built, ensuring the health and well-being of the next generation.