1 in 5 area youth have had sex before age 15, and that jumps to 1 in 4 by age 16.   63% have indicated their "first time" is between 14 and 16. 

(Based on the Youth Data Survey done by the Office on Children and Youth and the Healthy Community Council.)

Resources for Parents

Parents play a pivotal role in whether teens engage in risky behaviors such as drinking, drug use and sexual activity.  Compared to a generation ago, most of today's teens are thriving and overall risky behaviors are down.  However, teens encounter a number of pressures on a daily basis, many of which come from school, friends and media.  It's easy for them to engage in risky behaviors as an enticing way to escape from these mounting pressures or to simply fit in with their peers.

While influences on your teen may seem significant, as a parent, YOUR influence can override most negative pressures.  They will listen to you if you openly communicate your expectations and the consequences for partaking in risky behaviors.  Learn more about pressures on today's teens and how they are different from those of 20 years ago:  http://theantidrug.com/advice/pressures-on-teens.asp

The number one role model for your children is YOU!  If you don't want your children to smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs then let them know.  Set limits and expectations for your children when it comes to using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Tobacco-Free

You can be tobacco-free:  RMH offers choices and control over tobacco use. To see your choices in quitting click here.

Preventing your teens from drinking

Tips for parents on how to prevent their teens from drinking.  More...

Pregnancy prevention

The majority of teens say it would be easier for them to postpone sex if they were able to have open, honest conversation about these topics with their parents. More...

Helpful links for parents

Parenting Education and Support (PEAS)
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Community Resource Center
Youth Violence Prevention
SafeUSA
Domestic Violence
Substance Abuse & Mental Health
Child Abuse Prevention
Kid Source

Alcohol

Virginia ABC
Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
Stop Alcohol Abuse

Drugs

theandidrug.com
Institute on Drug Abuse
Marijuana use

Tobacco

Youth tobacco prevention
Youth Smoking Prevention
Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation