Talking with children about alcohol, drugs
Booklet prepared with input from community, police, schools

Teenagers often point to their parents as role models whose advice on important issues like using alcohol and drugs is taken to heart. But starting a conversation with your children on such explosive topics can be difficult.

Together, the Scottsdale Unified School District and Scottsdale Police are sending help for parents and teens. A booklet called A Message to Parents and Teens: Your Child, The Law, Your Education should arrive in mailboxes throughout the Scottsdale Unified School District beginning today.

The booklet, which was created over the past year with input from Scottsdale parents, helps open communication lines between parents and their children, and provides prevention strategies for parents. It also includes information on Arizona laws that apply to teen alcohol use and a list of warning signs that can help parents recognize whether their children may be involved in using alcohol or drugs.

“This is an issue that most families in America face as children mature, and I’m glad that our schools, our police and our parents have created a resource that can help children and parents during those challenging years,” said Dr. John M. Baracy, superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District .

Chief Alan Rodbell of the Scottsdale Police Department praised the effort as a community response to a challenge that must be addressed by the entire Scottsdale community. "We are very happy with being a part of this team effort to provide information and help to our kids and to the community,” Chief Rodbell said.

The booklet also includes emergency telephone numbers, advice for parents and recommendations on what parents can do when their children host or attend a party.

The booklet also is available on the district’s Web site at www.susd.org

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