In 2008, the LCPSA commissioned Vernon Research Group to survey Linn County parents with children age 11 through 17 and test assumptions about their attitudes and opinions about alcohol and marijuana use (the two most commonly used illegal drugs among youth in Linn County). This data, in combination with data from the Iowa Youth Survey, is being presented in the form of a media campaign targeted to parents to help them understand how they can help prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth in Linn County.
Implications
Parents have a key role in the development of youth attitudes, behaviors and values. While parents are communicating their disapproval of youth substance use and believe that safety is a top concern when dealing with youth substance use, youth do not perceive there is a significant risk of harm related to substance abuse behavior. This is evidenced by a high number of youth reporting substance use in the past 30 days and a discrepancy in the age at which parents believe youth engage in substance use. Moving forward it is imperative that parents take an active role in preventing youth substance abuse by talking with their children at an early age about the risks involved and modeling appropriate behaviors related to alcohol use when children are present.
