How to Talk About Drug Use in Popular Media
Tuesday, May 5
11:05 am – 12:05 pm ET
Regency Ballroom
Depictions of drug and alcohol use is widespread in current media, including shows often viewed by teenagers such as Stranger Things and HBO’s Euphoria. Given that research indicates that exposure to these messages increases teenage substance use, what can parents do to protect their children?
In this session, you’ll explore the psychological impact of drug use in media, as well as actionable strategies for parents and caregivers to help teenagers navigate this complicated social and cultural terrain.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain how depictions of drug and alcohol use in popular media influence adolescents’ attitudes, expectations, and substance-use behaviors.
- Identify opportunities to use movies, television, and social media as conversation starters to engage youth in discussions about substance use and media messages.
- Apply strategies that help parents and caregivers strengthen teens’ resilience and critical thinking when navigating substance-use messages in media.