Parents Underestimate Teen Substance Use, Overestimate Nationally

Parents of teenagers tend to underestimate the prevalence of substance use among their own children, while overestimating the same behavior among their peers. A recent study from the University of Michigan found that only 10 percent of parents believe their teenager has used alcohol in the past year, and a mere 5 percent think their teenager has used marijuana. However, data from the Monitoring the Future study reveals that 52 percent of 10th graders reported drinking alcohol in the last year and 28 percent reported using marijuana. This discrepancy highlights the importance of awareness and open communication between parents and teenagers.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents significantly underestimate their own teenager's substance use: 10 percent believe their child has used alcohol in the past year and 5 percent think their child has used marijuana.
• Teenagers report higher rates of substance use: 52 percent of 10th graders reported drinking alcohol in the past year and 28 percent reported using marijuana.
• Parents overestimate national rates of substance use among teenagers: 40 percent believe 60 percent of 10th graders use marijuana, and 60 percent think 40 percent of 10th graders drink alcohol.
• The study suggests the need for educational campaigns to increase awareness and promote better communication about teen substance use.
• Parents can take steps to address the issue, including talking to their teenager about substance use, monitoring their behavior, and seeking resources and support.

Statistics:

• 10 percent of parents believe their teenager has used alcohol in the past year.
• 5 percent of parents believe their teenager has used marijuana in the past year.
• 52 percent of 10th graders reported drinking alcohol in the past year.
• 28 percent of 10th graders reported using marijuana in the past year.
• 40 percent of parents believe 60 percent of 10th graders used marijuana in the past year.
• 60 percent of parents believe 40 percent of 10th graders drank alcohol in the past year.
• The margin of sampling error is ± 2 to 5 percentage points.

Sources:

• "Parents May Misunderstand Teen Substance Use" by the University of Michigan.
• Monitoring the Future study, conducted by the University of Michigan.
• C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, based at the University of Michigan and funded by the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the University of Michigan Health System.