Between 2000 and 2008, middle and high school students from the three school districts served by CADY participated in broad-based surveys to assess risk behaviors among teens as well as the protective factors that keep young people from using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. As in national surveys, teens reported that their parents are the #1 factor in their choices.

As of this year, 2800 student surveys have been administered and reported from SAU’s 4 ( Newfound), 48 (Pemi-Baker) and 68 (Lin-Wood). Significant reductions have been achieved in two of the three districts around monthly alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use. Parent monitoring, clear expectations from parents that children will not use, and consequences from parents are each factors that young people indicate make a difference in their choices.

For more information about survey results or to print copies of the parent newsletter “”Whose Kids? Our Kids” from TAP, log on to http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/4H/4HCYDTAP.htm