Did you know that about 55% of the 12th graders in Summit County report that they have tried alcohol at least once in their life, and about 45% of 12th-grade students reported that they had tried marijuana at least once in their life?
And guess what? Your influence as a parent is powerful. Utah kids report that the number one reason they choose not to drink is because of their parent’s strong disapproval.
How do we know this? Because students tell us through the Utah SHARP survey! The SHARP survey is an opportunity for youth in 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades across Summit County and the State to voice their challenges and readiness to face issues, including but not limited to tobacco use, underage drinking, school safety, bullying, and mental health. The results of this survey directly influence the strategies, funding, and resources we provide to address these issues. This year, 2025, it will be administered to students whose parents opt-in; contact your school district if you have not yet opted in and start talking with your child today about how the use of substances can harm their brains and their future. Visit parentsempowered.org and graymatters.org for tips on talking with your child about alcohol and marijuana use!
Check out this link for more information about the SHARP Survey and the full report from 2023.
Foster your child’s happiness and health while strengthening family bonds by engaging with our series “Strong Parents, Strong Kids: Preventing Substance Abuse Together”. Learn something new about the importance of keeping a child’s developing brain substance-free! These tips will help parents and adults supporting children to talk with their child, build mutual trust and to start what could be tough conversations.
The Summit County Health Department Prevention Team is committed to protecting our residents of all ages from painful consequences associated with substance misuse and abuse and other behavioral health problems.
