As my eldest child approaches high school at 14, I’ve realized that with his growing independence, our conversations are shifting. Much to his chagrin, I’ve started addressing topics like vaping, drugs, and peer pressure. Recently, I learned about a concerning trend called Skittle parties.
When I think of Skittles, I fondly recall the days of buying a bag of candy for just a few dollars, with those colorful, chewy treats bringing joy. However, Skittle parties are anything but innocent—they pose serious risks.
These gatherings, often referred to as Skittling or pharm parties, can occur in various locations, from homes to parks and even abandoned buildings. During these events, teens raid their parents’ medicine cabinets for prescription drugs. All the collected pills are mixed together in a bowl, resembling a colorful assortment of Skittles. Participants can then take whatever pills they choose, often without knowing what they are actually consuming.
The reality is that this practice can lead to dangerous medical consequences. A glance into your own medicine cabinet might reveal common prescription medications like Xanax, Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycodone. It’s alarming how easy it is for teens to access these substances and view them as a low-risk way to get high. Many young people mistakenly believe that because these drugs are prescribed by doctors, they’re safer than illicit street drugs. However, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription painkillers lead to more unintentional overdose deaths than heroin or cocaine.
While some journalists, like Jack Anderson from a popular magazine, argue that Skittle parties might be a myth, the issue of teens misusing prescription medication is very real. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported a concerning rise in prescription drug abuse among young adults, with some starting as early as age 12.
As a mother of four, I often feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with current trends. I grew up during the D.A.R.E. program era, and my instinct is to react with fear and tell my kids to just say no. But that approach isn’t effective.
So, what can you do as a parent?
- Engage in Open Dialogue: Maintain open lines of communication with your teens. They need a trusted adult to turn to with questions or concerns.
- Educate About Drugs: Teach your children about both prescription and recreational drugs and their associated risks. If you’re unsure about how to address these topics, consider consulting your pediatrician or a school counselor.
- Be an Involved Parent: Understand your child’s friend group and monitor their online activity. Even if they find you embarrassing now, they will appreciate your involvement later.
- Secure Medications: Store all medications in a safe, inaccessible location and dispose of any expired or unused medications properly.
Though I’d like to think that Skittle parties are just a myth, it’s crucial to be aware of their potential existence to have informed discussions with my kids. We all want to believe our children wouldn’t engage in such risky behaviors, but knowledge is key to their protection.
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Summary:
As teens navigate their growing independence, parents must remain vigilant about potential dangers, such as Skittle parties, where prescription medications are misused. Open communication, education about drug risks, and secure storage of medications are essential steps in protecting teens from the dangers of substance misuse.