The Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMSA) released a report on Saturday revealing that as many as twenty percent of parents doubt that they have any influence over whether or not their child engages in substance abuse.
The report indicates that this sector of parents of children aged 12-17 feel that their voice isn't enough to sway their children against tobacco, alcohol and other illicit substances.
Another revealing statistic found from SAMSA is that one out of 10 parents don't even talk to their children about illegal substances.
"Surveys of teens repeatedly show that parents can make an enormous difference in influencing their children’s perceptions of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use," said Pamela S. Hyde, SAMSA Administrator.
Hyde says parents are missing vital opportunities to influence their children.
"Although most parents are talking with their teens about the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, far too many are missing the vital opportunity these conversations provide in influencing their children’s health and well-being. Parents need to initiate age-appropriate conversations about these issues with their children at all stages of their development in order to help ensure that their children make the right decisions," said Hyde.
The report sampled over 67,000 people.
At what age do you talk to your children about substance abuse?
Take our poll.