Drugs, Alcohol and anything else that parents worry about their teenagers. (fit in, renting)

[Encinitas]

Hello, here is my next concern. For some reason, everytime I mention to people that we will be moving to Arizona, they mention all the alchohol and drugs available to our children. They mention that teenagers get soooo bored in Arizona that they start doing drugs etc.

I grew up in Chicago and went to an all girls Catholic private high school. Most of the girls came from a very wealthy parents and who were never around. Drugs were everywhere. Being passed during class etc. I managed to avoid alchohol and drugs. It wasn't my style. But I believe drugs are everywhere. But people seem to feel that there more in Arizona than anywhere else.

We will be in the 85085 zip code and possibly attending the Sandra Day O'Connor High School (she will be in 12th grade) Know of any drug problems in the hs or around this area?

[Ponderosa]

Sadly, there are drugs available in every middle school and high school in the U.S. If one believes that where they live will protect their children from exposure and temptation they are dangerously misleading themselves. Knowledge and constant vigilance - not moving to one place or another are the best defense. As for being bored here, come on. Teens are bored everywhere. Ever heard this phrase, "These is nothing to do around here."? I think it is the battle cry of adolescence. That may explain why we see it in these posts so frequently.

If your daughter is in 12th grade and is not doing drugs now, she has likely already faced that challenge in her life and successfully managed it. I doubt she would turn into a drug user at this point no matter how bored she might be. It's more about the kid than the school. I don't think you have a lot to be concerned about with either.

[Encinitas]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Sadly, there are drugs available in every middle school and high school in the U.S. If one believes that where they live will protect their children from exposure and temptation they are dangerously misleading themselves. Knowledge and constant vigilance - not moving to one place or another are the best defense. As for being bored here, come on. Teens are bored everywhere. Ever heard this phrase, "These is nothing to do around here."? I think it is the battle cry of adolescence. That may explain why we see it in these posts so frequently.

If your daughter is in 12th grade and is not doing drugs now, she has likely already faced that challenge in her life and successfully managed it. I doubt she would turn into a drug user at this point no matter how bored she might be. It's more about the kid than the school. I don't think you have a lot to be concerned about with either.

You're right. She's a good kid, but I know she is still a teenager.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Encinitas

You're right. She's a good kid, but I know she is still a teenager.

You really need to be concerned about the teenage boys in Arizona. Unlike boys in other states, they've got only one thing on their minds!

[monsoon74]

I have to agree with Ponderosa...Drugs are everywhere, and alcohol is even more readily available.

Good parenting and being involved are the best deterrents, although certainly not foolproof. My two kids are both in high school, and when they say they're going to a party, we call the parents of who is having the party, and if they're not available, then no party for my kids. They think we're terrible for 'ruining their fun', but kids have to know there's limitations to their freedoms. We trust our kids, and let them have their 'freedom', but not to the point where they're running around who-knows-where. (Thank God for cell phones!)

One concern that I may raise is the fact that it's her last year of high school, and there may be more pressure to make friends..and hopefully that won't lead her to make a bad decision just to fit in.

[Encinitas]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

You really need to be concerned about the teenage boys in Arizona. Unlike boys in other states, they've got only one thing on their minds!

That was one of the other concerns but didn't feel comfortable mentioning it at the time. I think it's america's favorite pass time.