Perhaps the best time to seek information, however, is even earlier. The American Academy of Pediatrics says it's essential for parents to start talking to their children at an early age about the dangers of alcohol use or abuse. Parents should also be aware of potential warning signs of drug use including behavior changes, sudden hostility, withdrawal from friends and family, or marked changes in school performance and attendance. Teens are also at a higher risk of injury on the road. In fact, the AMA says 3 out of 10 teens who die, are killed in motor vehicle crashes, with half of these crashes involving the use of drugs or alcohol.
Young people are also at great risk for head injuries.
If a teen is just learning to drive, safety rules should be stressed regularly, including the use of seat belts for everyone in the car and on every trip, even short trips. Teens should also be aware of the way different driving conditions such as rain or ice can affect a vehicle's handling. Until new drivers have developed their skills sufficiently, the number of passengers in the car when they drive should be limited. And since children and teens learn from what they see, parents should always set a good example themselves when it comes to following safety rules. Communication One of the most important jobs for parents is setting rules for their children to follow as they grow up.