What is it about?
This study investigates how parenting practices, such as supervision, communication, and positive involvement, influence substance use and intentions among 5th and 6th-grade children in Mexico. It highlights the risks associated with parental substance use and the protective role of positive parenting. The research uses data from a national survey of over 52,000 students and provides critical insights into how family dynamics impact children’s decisions about substance use.
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Why is it important?
Substance use in childhood has long-term health and social consequences, and addressing it early is critical. This study identifies parenting practices that reduce substance use risk, such as positive involvement and supervision, and sheds light on how parental substance use significantly increases risk. These findings offer a roadmap for prevention programs to focus on family-level interventions, particularly in culturally relevant contexts like Mexico.
Perspectives
This research highlights the vital role parents play in shaping their children's substance use behaviors. By identifying specific parenting practices that protect against substance use, we hope to inspire culturally adapted prevention efforts that empower families. Our goal is to inform public health strategies that prioritize family engagement and positive parenting to reduce risks and promote healthier outcomes for children.
Dr. Alejandro L. Vázquez
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The influence of perceived parenting on substance initiation among Mexican children, Addictive Behaviors, October 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.05.026.
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