(AUGUST 2013)—LCBO and Parent Action on Drugs (PAD) have collaborated once more to bring a new resource to parents of teens.
On September 4, just in time for the new school year, PAD launched the Parent Action Pack, a free print and online resource that provides parents with a toolkit of essential facts and talking points about alcohol and other drugs, as well as effective strategies to enable them to have meaningful discussions with their teens and guide them in making healthier and safer decisions.
Nearly 500,000 copies of the 16-page booklet were included with the 20th anniversary autumn issue of Food & Drink magazine.
Alcohol is the major focus as it is the number one drug used by teens, but more importantly the guide also includes information about marijuana, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and a section dealing with high-caffeine energy drinks.
“This is a great resource for parents, as it helps them understand not only the facts about alcohol but also how alcohol affects females and males differently,” says Elizabeth Kruzel-D’Cunha, senior policy advisor, Policy & Government Relations.
Parents can visit the on-line Parent Action Pack (www.parentactionondrugs.ca) as a regular source for additional facts, references and links to new sources of information and research related to teens. Information about the studies and science behind the resource are also outlined on the website.
Diane Buhler, executive director of PAD, says the LCBO’s support has been instrumental in the creation of significant resources for parents and teens regarding alcohol and drugs, and this latest parent package of print and online materials are another example.
“We know from consultations that parents still want a print brochure that they can pop in their pocket and read later,” she says. “But we also know how important it is to have the information available on a website where parents can find information when they need it, and refer to it again and again to learn more.”
Elizabeth expects there will be a second print run in the future, perhaps of info cards to promote the website at key times of the year, such as prior to high school prom.
