Contact:  Bill O'Reilly, 212-396-9117 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YONKERS STUDENTS TO PARENTS: TALK TO US

ABOUT RISK AVOIDANCE STRATEGIES

Studies: Young Adults Who Delay Sex and Alcohol Use More Likely to Finish High School, Succeed in Life

Yonkers, NY--Sept. 18...Young adults in Westchester want parents and guidance counselors to teach them about risk avoidance strategies that have statistically been shown to help them finish high school and succeed in life, according to a just-conducted survey of Yonkers 7th and 8th grade students, the not-for-profit organization Program Reach today announced.

Several national studies have concluded that delaying sex and alcohol consumption for just a few years -- as well as tobacco and marijuana use -- makes students significantly more likely to finish high school and move onto college or careers.  The new Program Reach study suggests that young Westchester students want parents to tell them about risk avoidance strategies and their benefits, and that what parents say carries weight.  

"Many young teens may appear disinterested in what their parents are saying about sex and alcohol, but don't be fooled: they are listening intently," said Dr. Naci Coppola, Chief Executive Officer of Program Reach. "This survey shows that young adults armed with good information are more likely to make healthy choices, and having it come from parents, teachers, and guidance counselors makes a difference."

"Every parent wants his or her child to succeed, and today's announcement offers important information for parents and students alike to help those children reach their goals," said Yonkers City Council President Liam McLaughlin. "These Yonkers students are clearly listening to what their parents are saying about sex and alcohol, and that's a good thing. It's important, then, that parents have the best information available."

According to the survey:

• 91% of 7th and 8th grade girls and 69% of 7th and 8th grade boys  would be more likely to postpone sexual activity by a few years if they knew doing so would help them reach their dreams;

• 91% of 7th and 8th grade males and 84% of 7th and 8th Grade girls would be more likely to postpone drinking alcohol for a few years if they knew doing so would help them reach their dreams;

• 75% of 7th and 8th grade girls and 88% of 7th and 8th grade boys would be more likely to delay alcohol use if their parent, grandparent, or guardian spoke with them about risk avoidance;

• 87% of 7th and 8th grade girls and 64% of 7th and 8th grade boys would be more likely to delay sexual activity if their parent, grandparent, or guardian spoke with them about risk avoidance;

• 87% of 7th and 8th grade girls and 70% of 7th and 8th grade boys  would be more likely to postpone sexual activity by a few years if their teacher or guidance counselor talked to them about risk avoidance strategies and explained their benefits, and

• 75% of 7th and 8th grade girls and 88% of 7th and 8th grade boys would be more likely to delay alcohol use if a teacher or guidance counselor spoke with them about risk avoidance and it's benefits.

Program Reach employs a youth development and education model that focuses on identifying and building on individual, family, school and community assets. Youth development is the process through which adolescents acquire the cognitive, social and emotional skills and abilities required to navigate life. Youth Development addresses the common and interconnected causes of many high risk behaviors - the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD), emotional problems, intentional injury, school failure and dropout, crime, STI/STDs including HIV/AIDS, and pregnancy - by capitalizing on opportunities at the family, school and community levels to prevent their occurrence. Youth Development can be summarized by caring/compassion, competence, character, connection and confidence. Our programs help students achieve three of the primitive needs: safety, love/belonging and self-esteem.

 Statistics and graphics below:

1.If I knew that delaying drinking for just a few years would make me more likely to reach my dreams in life,  I  would  not drink . 

 2. I knew that delaying sexual activity for just a few years would make me more likely to reach my dreams in life,  I  would  not have sex. 

3. If my parent, grandparent or guardian told me that delaying drinking  just a few years would make me more likely to reach my  dreams in life, I would not drink.

4. If my parent, grandparent or guardian told me that delaying sex for  just a few years would make me more likely to reach my  dreams in life, I would not  have sex.

5.  If my teacher or guidance counselor told me that delaying drinking for just a few years would make me more likely to reach my  dreams in life, I would not drink.

6 .  If my teacher or guidance counselor told me that delaying sex for just a few years would make me more likely to reach my  dreams in life, I would not  have sex.

Graphics are available here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.