Most young people will question what they hear before deciding on their own morals and values. However, it is important for them to hear rational, stable, and coherent adult values. Otherwise, they may rely too much on the advice of peers and the example of popular entertainment. Parents can teach children to look at alternatives and make decisions based on fact instead of impulse. That way when young people start making their own decisions, they will be prepared to think independently and make sound choices.
Vigilance is an important ingredient of drug abuse prevention.
While most parents don't want to police their children, they can take note of what they're doing and who their friends are. They can pay attention to how much money their children are getting and spending, whether social activities such as parties are supervised by adults, and whether their children seem to be going through unusually stressful emotional turmoil. Preadolescent children whose parents work outside their homes often spend time after school unsupervised. While these kids may be too old for daycare, parents can encourage afterschool activities such as athletics and hobby clubs to keep their kids involved. If families have developed open communication by the time kids reach their teens, parents will have an easier time keeping track of their children's activities at this stage, without undermining their growing independence.