As a behavioral health professional for over twenty-five years and the father of two school age children, I recognize the importance of staying abreast of the latest challenges and trends in regards to youth substance abuse and its related negative behaviors. I was excited to see the recently released 2018 Communities That Care (CTC) survey of South Carolina teens reflecting a continuing downward trend in regards to lifetime and current use of alcohol, tobacco and most other drugs. Even more so, Florence County’s youth continue to display lower substance use rates than their statewide and national peers do.
The CTC survey data reflects that in Florence County, 36% of high school youth have ever used alcohol, 14 % have used tobacco and 23% have used marijuana. These percentages have been noticeably trending downward for years but have dramatically fallen in the last three years. Vaping/e-cigarettes is the only substance use to show a significant increase at 24% having used these products. Contrary to how teen’s behavior is often sensationalized and characterized by negative media stories and perceptions, this data demonstrates that the vast majority of high school students are making the choice not to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
While there are many who have played an important part in this success, I do want to recognize the role that our local law enforcement agencies have played through conducting hundreds of compliance checks to deter youth access to alcohol and tobacco, local merchants for denying sales to underage youth, and the local school districts for providing opportunities to collaborate and educate students, staff, and parents.
Moreover and perhaps most importantly, to parents for setting safe, legal and healthy boundaries and expectations for their teens and in turn their teens having the respect and courage to adhere to them. Research today continues to demonstrate that parent’s behavior, opinions and expectations have the greatest influence on the behavior choices their children make.
While this is certainly great news to celebrate, we have to remain vigilant in regards to new and dangerous challenges facing our youth. Vaping, social media and the dark side of the internet, each in their own right, present some of the most potentially damaging short and long-term influences in the lives of youth. Parents are encouraged to constantly educate themselves on these growing and evolving dangers and most importantly, communicate with your children about them. The same boundaries and expectations that successfully support your efforts in assisting them to make good behavior choices in regards to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are important to implement with these dangers as well. Consistent communication, setting behavior boundaries and expectations and displaying good choices yourself will go a long way in ensuring your children can develop the skills necessary to become happy, healthy and successful adults.
Well-done teens and I look forward to seeing more great news as your generation works to successfully navigate through the ever-changing challenges this world presents.
story by Randy Cole, CEO
Circle Park Behavioral Health Services