BOTTOM-LINE STATISTICS

Research shows that teens who have a positive relationship with their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors:

• Positive relationships or connectedness between parents and adolescents is linked to avoidance or lower use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs;
   
• Adolescents who have high-quality relationships with their parents are less likely to initiate sex or be sexually active
   
• Teens whose parents use a "balanced" parenting style are warm, and involved, firm in setting limits, and show respect for their teen do better in school, report less depression, and anxiety, have higher self-esteem and self-reliance, and are less likely to engage in all types of risky or problem behavior, including drug and alcohol use, sex, or violence.