Parents

Parents make the biggest difference.

Creating a safe environment for children and teens to thrive is the responsibility of all Texans, but parents play a special role in standing up for and with our youth. By knowing the facts, having open conversations, and staying involved, parents can guide their children toward safer choices and healthy futures.

The Facts

Your influence matters most.

As a prime influence on a child’s life, it’s important for parents to know about the harms of youth substance use. Knowing the facts helps parents make decisions that protect their children.

What Parents Need to Know

It’s important for parents to understand that:

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among youth, followed by tobacco and cannabis
The earlier a young person starts using alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, the higher their risk of addiction later in life
The brain continues developing until about age 25, and early use can alter areas that control judgment, learning, and impulse control
Teens who use alcohol or other drugs are more likely to have lower grades, miss school, or drop out
A DUI, school disciplinary action, or arrest for possession can affect scholarships, job prospects, and driver’s licenses.
Mixing substances—like alcohol and cannabis—makes impairment worse and raises the risk of crashes, injuries, and risky behaviors
Many young people get alcohol and other drugs from social sources like parties and friends.
Youth substance use is linked to many serious risks, including mental health challenges, violence, sexual assault, and impaired driving
Your voice matters—when parents talk openly and set clear expectations, teens are far less likely to use alcohol or other drugs

Talking With Youth

Your words carry weight.

Research shows that parents are the #1 reason young people choose not to use substances. That influence makes early and ongoing conversations especially important—starting the dialogue early helps your child make safer, healthier choices as they grow.

Tips for Talking with Your Kids

You don’t need to be an expert—being open, honest, and available is what makes the biggest difference, and these strategies can help you get started:

Start early and keep talking—conversations about alcohol and other drugs should begin before your child is exposed to them, and continue as they grow
Stay calm and listen—create a safe space for your child to share what they know and how they feel, without judgment
Be clear about your expectations—teens are far less likely to use when they know their parents disapprove of underage drinking or drug use
Use real-life examples—talk about what your child sees at school, in media, or among friends, and discuss how to handle those situations
Model healthy choices—your actions speak loudly—show what responsible behavior looks like
Keep the conversation going—it’s not one big talk—it’s lots of small ones that build trust and understanding over time

Talk. They Hear You.

SAMHSA’s national campaign—Talk.They Hear You.—helps parents and caregivers start early conversations with kids about alcohol and other drugs. Visit their site for tips, tools, and resources to guide these important talks.

Explore the Resources on SAMHSA’s Website

College Parents

A parent’s job is never done.

Even when your child heads off to college, your guidance still matters. Staying involved and setting clear expectations can help keep them safe, healthy, and making smart choices while they’re away from home.

A graduating student hugging her parents

Talk to Your Student

Start by having an open conversation with your student about the risks of substance use. You can:

Talk about ways to build friendships and have fun on campus without alcohol or other drugs
Discuss how substance use affects the brain, body, health, and school performance
Remind your student that most young people overestimate how much their peers use alcohol or other drugs and underestimate the risks
Share information about campus resources and support programs
Show you care by setting expectations that prioritize their health and safety
Keep the conversation going, even from afar—regular check-ins remind your student that your support continues, no matter where they are

Campus policies play a big role in student safety.

TxSDY reviewed alcohol policies at colleges and universities across Texas to help you see how schools compare and where improvements can be made. Explore our interactive tool to learn how different campuses measures up.

Explore the Tool

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