The influence of parental control and support on cannabis use of adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out whether parental support and parental control have a significant association with the use of cannabis among adolescents. Using a multiple regression analysis, this study analyzed the use of cannabis among adolescents between 12 and 18 years old. The results show that more parental support is associated with less cannabis use among adolescents. This finding suggests that good communication and mutual trust between parent and child has a strong protective effect from cannabis involvement. It seems that parental control has no significant association with cannabis use among adolescents. A warm and caring parenting style opposed to a cold and non-responsive parenting style has this desired protective effect on adolescents. Sitting down and talking to their children on a daily basis building up mutual trust should be encouraged amongst parents. Future research examining effective ways to teach parents how to support and communicate with their children regarding cannabis use may prove important in preventing cannabis misuse by adolescents.