KEY FINDINGS FROM THE PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG-FREE AMERICA®
AND METLIFE FOUNDATION
PROM AND GRADUATION SURVEY 2008

A new survey of teens and parents from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® and MetLife Foundation reveals parents’ own past experiences with alcohol and drugs at prom and graduation parties may be a dangerous influence on the rules and limits they set for their teens at the closing of the school year when celebrations too frequently include drinking and drugs.

Key Findings in regards to graduation and prom drinking and drug use:

  • Parents who admit to using drugs and drinking at their prom and/or graduation parties:
    • Are more permissive with their kids than those parents who did not;
    • 66 percent set a “zero tolerance policy” for their own teens; and
    • 51 percent are also more likely to suspect that teens will use drugs at prom or graduation parties.

  • Parents who did not participate in drug use or drinking at their prom and/or graduation:
    • 87 percent set hard rules about drinking and drugs for their kids; and
    • 36 percent are likely to suspect that teens will use drugs at prom or graduation parties.
  • When parents talk with their kids about drugs and alcohol teens take their parents’ messages to heart.
    • 16 percent of teens whose parents set a zero tolerance policy reported their own likelihood of using drugs or alcohol; however
    • 45 percent of teens whose parents didn’t set such boundaries reported they were likely to drink or use drugs at prom or graduation parties this year.
  • Teens can feel pressure from their peers to abuse alcohol or drugs. It is crucial for parents to communicate the risks of alcohol and drug abuse to protect their kids and help them live healthy drug-free lives.
    • 60 percent of teens say they feel pressured to use drugs or alcohol “always” or “frequently” at prom or graduation events; and
    • 22 percent of teens surveyed report that they are likely to use drugs or participate in drinking at prom and graduation celebrations.