Red Ribbon Week is Oct. 23-31.  Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the United States. Many school and local officials are sponsoring prevention activities for youth in our schools with speakers, health fairs, presentations, and lots of fun activities to get kids to think about making healthy decisions.

Monroe County Alcohol and Drug Task Force is participating in many of these events, but would like to reach out to parents. Parental disapproval is the number one reason teens state for why they don't use alcohol or drugs. Parents have more of a voice with their children than anyone else in the community. It's vital to have these conversations with your children before they are introduced to substances.

It is important that parents know the facts about alcohol and drug use and are prepared, more than 30 percent of 12 and 13-year-olds report being offered an illicit drug. However, when youth know the facts and dangers of drug use, they are 42 percent less likely to use.

When parents are involved in their teens' lives, they are more apt to avoid circumstances involving substances. The family guide, "Keeping Your Kids Drug Free," offers tips for teen parents:
• Know what your children are doing- activities and how they spend their time.
• Know who your children's friends are.
• Check in with parents who are hosting a party.
• Praise and reward good behavior.
• Before going out, have them tell you:
WHO they are going with
WHAT they will be doing
WHEN they will be back
WHERE they are going to be.
• Check on your teens to see if they're where they said they would be.
It is not pestering, it's parenting!

Remember that your children are receiving information about substance abuse and its dangers in their schools during the next weeks. Ask them about what they've learned and let them know how you feel about substance abuse.

For more information and helpful suggestions, you may reach the Monroe County Alcohol and Drug Task Force at 423-519-1160 or drugfreemonroe.org; The Caring for Youth Web site http://ncadi. samsha.gov/cfoy.aspx .