Adolescence is a critical period for development, and the influence of parental support and monitoring can significantly impact a young person's choices regarding substance use. Recent research by Mills et al. (2021) provides valuable insights into how these factors vary by gender and age, offering practitioners a roadmap to enhance their preventive strategies.
The Research Findings
The study titled "Parental support and monitoring as associated with adolescent alcohol and tobacco use by gender and age" explores the protective roles of parental support (PS) and parental monitoring (PM) against adolescent substance use (SU). The research involved 2,351 middle and high school students who reported their experiences with alcohol and tobacco, as well as their perceptions of parental involvement.
- Gender Differences: The study found that girls reported higher levels of parental monitoring than boys. However, this increased surveillance did not correlate with lower substance use among girls compared to boys.
- Age Differences: Parental support was more impactful for older adolescents (high school-aged) than younger ones (middle school-aged), suggesting that emotional support becomes increasingly important as children mature.
Implications for Practitioners
The findings underscore the importance of tailoring preventive strategies to account for both gender and age differences. Here are some practical steps practitioners can take:
1. Encourage Balanced Monitoring
While it's natural for parents to monitor their children's activities, excessive surveillance may not yield additional benefits in preventing substance use. Encourage parents to maintain a balanced approach that respects adolescents' growing need for independence while staying informed about their social circles.
2. Focus on Emotional Support
As children transition from middle school to high school, parental support should evolve to meet their emotional needs. Practitioners can guide parents on how to offer advice, engage in open discussions, and provide reassurance without being overbearing.
3. Educate on Gender-Specific Needs
Given that girls often receive more monitoring than boys, it's crucial to educate parents about the potential ineffectiveness of this approach. Instead, focus on fostering an environment where both genders feel equally supported emotionally.
4. Promote Further Research
This study highlights gaps in understanding the nuanced effects of parental involvement across different demographics. Encourage further research into specific behaviors that constitute effective parental support and monitoring.
Conclusion
The research by Mills et al. provides a foundation for enhancing preventive strategies against adolescent substance use through informed parental involvement. By understanding the dynamics of gender and age in relation to PS and PM, practitioners can better equip parents with the tools they need to support their children effectively.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Parental support and monitoring as associated with adolescent alcohol and tobacco use by gender and age.
