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Risk-taking gives teens the opportunity to test their limits and learn about themselves. However, the brain is not fully developed until around age 25 so some risky behaviors can have long-lasting negative effects on a teen’s health and well-being. Using marijuana as a teen, especially regular or heavy use, can lead to a decline in school performance, increased risk of mental health issues (including schizophrenia), and higher risk for addiction.
According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly used substances among Newton youth. While most Newton students do not use marijuana (80% of high-schoolers reported that they had NOT used marijuana in the past 30 days), 4% of 9th graders and 34% of 12th graders in Newton reported using marijuana at least once in the past month. Over the years the number of teens who believe using marijuana is bad for their health has decreased. This belief is contributing to higher rates of marijuana use in teens.
Learn more about marijuana at drugabuse.gov and drugfree.org.
The following links provide tips for talking to your children about marijuana and other drugs and helping them stay drug-free:
- Info for parents and caregivers
- Tips for parents and caregivers who use marijuana
- Marijuana and Your Kids
- Talk to Your Kids about Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs
- Talking to Your Kids: Communicating the Risks
- Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse
- Talking to Kids About Drugs: What to Say if You Used Drugs in the Past
The following links provide information on the health effects of marijuana use in youth:
- Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know
- What you need to know about marijuana use in teens
- NIDA for Teens: Marijuana
Newton high school students and their families can reach out to the prevention/intervention counselors at Newton North or Newton South for questions, information, and resources on marijuana, addiction, and more. (Newton Public Schools policy on substance use)
Alison Malkin
Prevention/Intervention Counselor
Newton North High School
Room 301
(617) 559-6237
alison_malkin@newton.k12.ma.us
Brian DeLeskey
Prevention/Intervention Counselor
Newton South High School
Room 7137
(617) 559-6577
deleskeyb@newton.k12.ma.us
Last reviewed and updated April 2019