Talk early. Talk often.
Parents play a crucial role in teens’ decisions about alcohol and drugs.
77% of JCC High School students agree that parents and guardians should talk with them about the importance of not using alcohol.*
*Based on 2024 student PCN survey
Here are some starting points to help get the conversation rolling!
About Family
• What is the hardest thing about being a kid or parent?
• What’s the best and worst thing about being the oldest/middle/youngest or only child?
• What can a parent do to make their kids feel more confident?
• Which of your friends has the coolest parents and what do you like about them?
• Fill in the blank: I wish my family would do more _______________.
About School
• What teacher will you remember the most and why?
• If you could change one thing at school, what would it be?
• Why are some kids picked on? What can you do to help them?
• What do you think it’s like for someone to be different at school?
• How can adults and children show respect for each other?
• Why are certain people popular at school or work?
• What’s the best and worst thing about being your age?
About Relationships
• What is the most important thing in being a good friend?
• What do you think makes a happy marriage/relationship?
• How do you know when you can trust another person?
• What do you think your teacher or boss would say about you?
• What is the best gift you have ever given someone?
• When you need advice, who are three people you can go to that you trust to guide you in the right direction?
• What are some benefits of getting to know someone different than you?
About Substance Use
• What are some reasons why teens start drinking alcohol?
• What would you do or say if a friend asked you to drink alcohol?
• How would you convince a friend to not use alcohol/drugs?
• When you feel scared, what can you do?
• What have you heard at school about drinking alcohol or smoking?
• Do you think there are a lot of students at JCC that drink, vape, or use marijuana?
About Personal Growth
• Do you learn more when you win or when you lose? Why?
• What makes you angry? How do you express that anger?
• What is something you would like to improve about yourself?
• What is your dream job/career?
• What do you think makes someone successful?
• What’s worse: too many rules or not enough rules? Why?
• What stresses you out? How do you react? Is that a healthy reaction?
just for Fun
• If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
• What’s your favorite movie? Why?
• If you could eat just one food every day for a month and nothing else, what would it be?
• What was your favorite vacation and what made it your favorite?
• What is your favorite sport to play? What’s your favorite to watch?
• If you could learn any new skill or talent, what would it be?
• What is your favorite season of the year?
About Positive Thinking
• What’s something really nice that someone has done for you?
• What are some ways that we can show kindness to others?
• What is a good thing that happened to you today?
• What do you like to do when you are really happy?
• For what are you thankful?
• Name two strengths you have.
• What is your most valued possession? Why?
• If you were given $1,000 to help others, how would you spend the money?
