What This Article Is About
Summer can be exciting for teens. School is out, their schedules change, and they often have more freedom. But changes in routine can also bring stress, boredom, loneliness, or pressure from friends. These challenges can increase the risk of experimenting with alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or other substances.
The good news is that parents can make a big difference. By staying connected, setting clear expectations, and having regular conversations, you can help your teen make healthy choices all summer long.
1. Make a List of Activities They Can Do Without Asking First
It can be frustrating for teens when they can’t reach a parent to ask permission to go somewhere. It can also be hard for parents who are busy at work to communicate with their teens in real time.
Talk with your teen about activities they can do without asking each time. For example, they may be able to go to a trusted friend’s house, the pool, or a local park.
Set clear rules. You can ask them to leave a note or send a text that includes:
- Where they are going
- Who they are with
- What they are doing
- When they expect to be home
This helps your teen gain independence responsibly while helping you stay informed.
2. Know What's in Your Home
Many teens get access to alcohol, medications, nicotine products, or cannabis products from their own homes or from friends’ homes.
Take time to:
- Keep track of alcohol in your home.
- Store prescription medications in a secure place.
- Lock up medications that could be misused.
- Safely dispose of expired or unused medications.
- Keep vaping devices, nicotine pouches, cannabis products, and edibles out of reach.
These steps can help reduce temptation and make it harder for teens and their friends to access substances.
3. Talk With Your Teen Every Day
Texting is helpful, but talking is even better. A phone call, FaceTime, or face-to-face conversation can tell you much more than a text message. You can hear changes in your teen’s voice and mood that may signal stress, sadness, or trouble. Regular check-ins also remind teens that someone cares about them and is paying attention.
Try asking questions such as:
- “What was the best part of your day?”
- “Anything stressful happen today?”
- “What are your plans for tomorrow?”
Small conversations build trust over time.
4. Know Who Your Teen Is Spending Time With
Friend groups often change during the summer. Some friends may go away to camp or jobs, causing new friendships to form.
Get to know:
- Who your teen is spending time with
- Where they are hanging out
- When possible, the parents or caregivers of their friends. Connecting with other parents can help everyone stay informed and support safe choices.
5. Help Your Teen Make a Summer Plan
Too much unstructured time can lead to boredom, and boredom can sometimes lead to risky decisions.
Work with your teen to create a loose plan for the summer. Encourage activities such as:
- A summer job
- Sports or fitness activities
- Volunteering
- Camps or classes
- Creative hobbies
- Time with trusted friends and family
Your teen doesn’t need every minute scheduled, but having goals and activities can help them stay engaged and connected.
6. Talk About Social Media and Group Chats
Many summer plans start online. Teens may see posts, messages, or videos that make substance use look normal, fun, or harmless.
Ask your teen:
- What apps they use most often
- How they decide what is safe online
- Whether they have seen posts about drinking, vaping, or drug use
Help them think critically about what they see online and remind them that social media often shows only part of the story.
7. Pay Attention When Something Doesn't Seem Right
If a story doesn’t make sense, trust your instincts and ask questions. For example, if your teen says, “It’s not mine. I’m holding it for a friend,” you don’t have to jump to conclusions, but don’t ignore the situation, either. Stay calm and gather more information.
Remember that unusual behavior doesn’t always mean substance use. It could also mean your teen is dealing with stress, anxiety, friendship problems, or something else.
What’s most important is that you stay curious, listen carefully, and keep the conversation open.
8. Don't Forget About Mental Health
Summer brings changes in routine, social pressures, family stress, loneliness, and worries about the future, which can affect a teen’s mental health.
Check in regularly about how your teen is feeling, not just what they are doing.
Ask questions like:
- “How have you been feeling lately?”
- “What’s been on your mind?”
- “Is there anything you’re worried about?”
When teens feel supported and understood, they are more likely to come to their parents when they need help.
Building Trust, Not Suspicion
Some parents worry that setting rules or asking questions sends the message that they don’t trust their teen.
In reality, clear expectations and regular communication help build trust. When parents stay involved and reduce opportunities for risky behavior, teens are more likely to make safe choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is summer a higher-risk time for substance use?
Teens often have more free time, less supervision, and more opportunities to socialize during the summer. Changes in routine can also lead to boredom, stress, or peer pressure, which may increase the risk of experimenting with substances.
2. What substances should parents be most concerned about?
Alcohol, vaping products, nicotine pouches, cannabis products, prescription medications, and other drugs can all pose risks for teens. Many young people mistakenly believe that vaping or cannabis products are harmless, but they can affect developing brains and increase the risk of other problems.
Research consistently shows that teens are less likely to use substances when parents clearly communicate their expectations. A simple statement such as, “We don’t want you to drink, vape, or use drugs, and here’s why,” can have a powerful impact.
3. How often should I talk to my teen about alcohol and drugs?
Instead of having one big talk, look for opportunities to have short conversations throughout the summer. Regular, calm discussions are often more effective than lectures.
4. What if my teen says, “You don’t trust me”?
You can explain that your rules are about safety, not punishment. Setting guidelines for behavior doesn’t mean that you mistrust your teen; it’s that you want them to stay safe and healthy. Just as you wear a seatbelt to stay safe, family rules help protect teens while they learn to make responsible decisions. S
5. What are some warning signs that my teen may be struggling?
Changes in mood, sleep, appetite, friend groups, school performance, or behavior can be signs that something is wrong. These changes do not always mean substance use, but they are worth paying attention to.
6. How can I help my teen avoid peer pressure?
Help your teen practice ways to handle an offer to vape, drink, etc., encourage them to spend time with friends who make healthy choices, and remind them that they can call you anytime if they need help getting out of an uncomfortable situation. Our fillable Practice Sheet for Handling Alcohol & Other Drug Offers can help.
7. What should I do if I find alcohol, other drugs, or vaping products?
Stay calm and avoid reacting with anger. Talk with your teen, ask questions, and try to understand what is happening. If you are concerned about substance use, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider, school counselor, or substance use professional for guidance. Our trained Helpline Specialists can also be a resource if you’re unsure what to do next.