High school can be an ongoing lesson in time management as students try new activities and meet new people. They often juggle busy schedules and may want to push schoolwork aside to do other things. But teens who get good grades are more likely to choose to stay away from drugs.¹ Monitor your child’s activities—and how he schedules them—to help him achieve school success.

In high school, teens make decisions about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Although most youth do not use drugs, in one survey, young people aged 12 to 17 named drugs as the most important problem they face—more than social pressures, violence, crime, or any other issue.² According to researchers, teens who don’t receive good grades are more likely than their peers to use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.3 On the other hand, teens who do well in school are less likely to get involved with substance use.⁴

As their children become teens, parents sometimes feel that they no longer have a vital role in their child’s schooling. But the truth is that your guidance can help put your teen on the path to school success. When you are involved, you’re also helping your child bond with you—another protective factor when it comes to keeping your teen healthy and drug free.⁵ So, get involved with your teen’s education! You can—

• Take an active role in helping him to set up a schedule and manage his time. Let him plan for hanging out with his friends and going to fun school events, but be sure that he also makes time for hitting the books. During busy times when he has many exams and projects, help him keep up with his workload by scheduling extra time for doing homework and getting enough rest.
• Take an interest in what your teen is learning in school. Get updates on what happens in class, keep up with his work, stay in contact with his teachers, and attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences.
• Set clear expectations for schoolwork and grades. Discuss with your teen what her goals are and what you expect from her during the school year. When your teen does her homework, make sure that she sits at a desk or table in a well-lit area that is free from distraction. Let her know that you are available to help if she is having trouble.
• Be firm and consistent with rules. Talk with your child about how he should behave both in and out of school. Clearly define the rules and the consequences of breaking the rules. Enforce the rules and consequences appropriately and consistently.

There may be times when you and your teen need extra help. Your teen might be working on subjects that are new to you, too. Work with the school and your community to find support groups, skills development classes, peer tutors, counselors, or teachers who can lend a hand. These resources can help you get your teen on the track to school success.

Sources

Additional Resources

Arons, B.S. 1999. A preview of the new CMHS school violence prevention program. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. 2000. NCAPTion 1: Training Guide. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.