NCJ Number
127624
Date Published
1989
Length
43 pages
Annotation
An April 1989 survey of 802 parents who have children in grades 6 through 12 in Tennessee public schools gathered information about parental opinions on the problems of alcohol and other drug use among schoolchildren.
Abstract
The information was gathered by telephone interviews with a random sample of Tennessee residents. Findings showed that parents are more concerned about alcohol and other drug abuse than about almost any other issue facing children. Most believe that youthful substance abuse is as serious a problem in Tennessee as it is in the rest of the nation. Results also suggested that parents significantly underestimate the extent of alcohol and other drug abuse by their own children. Most parents are satisfied with current drug education programs. They also believe that parents should have the main responsibility for educating their children about drug abuse and claim to have discussed the health effects of drugs with their children. However, parents greatly underestimate their own importance in dissuading their own children from using substances. Results also showed that parents want more help and resources from school and community groups to aid their prevention efforts. Tables and survey instrument