Parents
Parents can make a big impact on the lives of youth.  Here are some of the things that you can do to make a difference:

• Talk to your kids often about alcohol and drugs
• Make it clear that your expectations that they remain alcohol and drug-free
• Set clear rules and enforce consequences for breaking those rules

These are just a few things that parents can do to.  For more information, request a copy of our "Parents' Guide to Talking with Kids about Drugs."

School
Schools and teachers play a large role in the lives of youth.  Teachers, administrators and schools can make a positive contribution to reducing harmful student involvement with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The Coaltion for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati works regularly with schools in the region on setting policy and implementing student assistance programs.  Also, many of the local coalitions work closely with their neighborhood schools to encourage teachers to talk with students and maximize student participation in extra-curricular activities, clubs and groups.  All of these lead to reduced regular usage.

Community
All of the community can play a role in reducing underage drinking and other youth substance abuse.  The Student Drug Use Survey shows that students who regularly attend religous ceremonies are significantly less likely to use alcohol or other drugs than those who do not.  

Youth are influenced by community groups, law enforcement, media, church, and many other factors.  As a community, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati, it partners and its network of local coalitions work to increase chances for positive involvement with all aspects of the community.  These attachments to positive behaviors can have a profound effect on reducing regular student alcohol and other drug use rates.

Peers
According to the Student Drug Use Survey, as peer disapproval of drinking and other drug use decreases, regular substance use increases.  Changing an individual often means changing the perceptions of the group that influences the individual.  And, the Student Drug Use Survey continues to show that the great majority of students do not use alcohol and drugs regularly.

The Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati seeks to reinforce the positive choices of youth who choose not to drink or do drugs by letting them know they are not alone.  Recently, the CDFGC launched their "I am 3 out of 4" social norming campaign.  Learn more about it here.

Visit www.HelpThemKnow.com, a product of the Drug Free Action Alliance of Ohio.