Did You Know?

Did You Know- Back to School Conversations 2026

Did You Know? Back to School Conversations -September 2026 

Back to School; as we soak up the remainder of summer days and sunshine, it is time to transition back to routines as the school year starts. Kids of all ages are excited, nervous, and anxious for the school year whether they talk about it or not. It’s a good idea to sit down with kids and talk about the transition, review family rules and expectations, and create space to connect with your kids. Talking about how the first week of school will go including pick up, drop off, after school activities, and sports can help ease the transition. It’s also a perfect time to review school rules and handbooks around smart devices, dress codes, and conduct and those harder conversations around drugs and alcohol.

DID YOU KNOW It’s better to talk before kids are exposed to alcohol and other drugs?

But it is never too late to have a conversation. If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their kids early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their kids from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs. It is never too early to talk to your. Kids as young as 9 years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way, and approximately 3,300 kids as young as 12 try marijuana each day. Additionally, about five in ten kids as young as 12 obtain prescription pain relievers for nonmedical purposes. The earlier you start talking, the better. -data from SAMHSA

DID YOU KNOW not talking about alcohol and other drugs still sends kids messages?

Kids don’t always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. If parents don’t talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, their kids might not see any harm in trying substances. Having a conversation allows parents to set clear rules about what they expect from their kids when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. Supporting kids with their mental health and empowering them with skills to make healthy decisions should also be talked about especially as it relates to peer pressure and substance use.

Here are a few prevention strategies for parents and guardians when it comes to Alcohol & Drugs:

  1. Talk early and often- when kids know where their parents stand on alcohol and drug use, they are more likely to adopt/respect those beliefs.
  2. Be clear and consistent when setting expectations and enforcing rules.
  3. Be honest with you kids about their family history of addiction.
  4. Make sure alcohol and/or drugs is accounted for and even locked up. Unmonitored substances can be a temptation for any young person.
  5. Get to know your kids friends and their parents/guardians. Collaboration with their parents to ensure your kids are where they are supposed to be, and safe.

There are lots of great resources and videos to support parents to start these conversations. Here are some helpful links to review to support and help create these conversations:

And remember, parenting and working with kids and teens can be hard. Give yourself grace, reach out for support, review resources, and use compassion when talking to kids. It can be difficult to distinguish normal teenage behaviors or anxiety from substance use. You can help reduce risk by educating yourselves and sharing what you learn. Data shows the essence of preventing escalation lies in delaying the onset of a teen’s first drug use, so start a conversation today.

TASK is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance use and related harm – Keeping kids safe in collaboration with our community partners. Sign up for our newsletter on our website select “Keep In Touch” on the menu bar. You can also find past Did You Know Campaigns and more resources on our website- www.tahoesafekids.org