Start Strong Initiative Communicating With Parents/Caregivers

1. Start Strong InitiativeCommunicating With Parents/Caregivers A S S O C I A T E S HART RESEARCH Key findings from focus groups and survey among parents of 11- to 14-year-olds in Start Strong communities Conducted June-July 2009 for

2. Methodology: Focus Groups And Survey • Eight focus groups among parents/caregivers of 11- to 14-year- olds who attend public school (Boise, Boston, Austin, Oakland) • Two surveys among parents/caregivers of 11- to 14-year-olds who attend public school • Survey among 401 parents across the 11 Start Strong communities • Nationwide survey among 402 parents not in Start Strong communities • The nationwide survey provides a data point against which we can compare responses in the Start Strong communities. Findings from the national survey are featured when there are notable differences. Otherwise, the findings focus on results among parents in the Start Strong communities. • For purposes of subgroup analysis, the two groups of parents have been combined.

3. Part I: Key Challenges • It is challenging to engage parents in a conversation about unhealthy romantic relationships among preteens, as parents do not think of their children, particularly their 11- and 12-year-olds, as “dating” or in “romantic” relationships. • Many parents have talked to their children about changes that happen at puberty and have stressed abstinence, but they have not talked about “scary” issues like violence and sexual assault. They feel their children are not ready to hear about these topics. • Many are waiting for their children to initiate the conversation. • Language is important. We need to create a comfort level among parents so that they will see this issue as relevant. 3

4. Unhealthy/Abusive Romantic Relationships Are Seen As Less Of A Problem For Preteens Than Component Parts Of These Relationships % rating each as a very big problem* for adolescents/preteens Start Strong communities Nationwide 66% 70% 53% 55% 53% 53% 50% 50% 40% 32% 36% Having sex too early Violence/sex in media Illegal drug use/abuse Online bullying, rumor spreading, sexting Teen pregnancy Bullying Alcohol use/abuse Pressure to be in romantic relationship Gangs Depression Unhealthy/abusive romantic relationship *8-10 ratings on zero-to-10 scale

5. The Majority Of Parents Say Their Child Has Never Been In Romantic Relationship Is your preteen/adolescent child currently in or has your child ever been in a romantic relationship? Current/past relationship Start Strong Communities Parents of boysParents of girls Have child age 11Have child age 12Have child age 13Have child age 14 Have boy age 11-12Have boy age 13-14 Have girl age 11-12Have girl age 13-14 47%34% 27%31%45%53% 32%58% 27%41% Currently in relationship Never been in relationship Relationship in past 37% 5

6. Large Majorities Of Parents With Children Age 12 to 14 Say They Have Initiated Conversations About Healthy And Unhealthy Relationships I Raised Issue I Raised Issue No, don’t plan to Yes, I raised issue Yes, child raised issue No but plan to Parents of boysParents of girls Child age 11Child age 12Child age 13Child age 14 Parents of boysParents of girls Child age 11Child age 12Child age 13Child age 14 55%69% 48%64%62%72% 62%67% 50%64%71%69% Have you had a conversation about this with your child? How to develop healthy, respectful romantic relationships How to avoid/protect from unhealthy or abusive romantic relationships 78% 73% Start Strong communities Start Strong communities 6

7. But The Focus Groups Suggest There Is A Lot Parents Have Not Covered In Their Conversa-tions With Their 11- to 14-Year-Olds Parents express discomfort about broaching these topics with their 11- and 12-year-olds, as they don’t think their children are ready for them. The discussions suggest that these conversations focus mainly on changes that happen at puberty and stress abstinence. Few talk about sexual assault, violence, or other “scary” issues. Some parents say they are waiting for their children to bring up these issues, as they don’t think their children are ready for them yet. 7

8. Part II: Framing Outreach To Parents • A message that focuses on the critical role that parents can play in helping their children develop healthy relationships has the greatest appeal. “Even when you think your children are not listening to you or watching you, they often are. Parents play a critical role in providing a good example and teaching young people the importance of respectful, honest romantic relationships, how to make responsible decisions regarding relationships, and how to say 'no.’” (84% very convincing reason to talk with preteens) • There is potential to engage parents by focusing on the pressure preteens may feel to be in a romantic relationship or the pressure they may feel if they are in one. • Parents mention pressure to have sex and/or peer pressure as among their greatest concern about unhealthy and abusive relationships among teens. • Sex at this age is seen as unhealthy, no matter how respectful the relationship. • The mention of “healthy” and “unhealthy” leads some parents to think about sex education. 8

9. Part II: Framing Outreach To Parents • A program to educate parents on the latest Internet, cell phone, and social networking technology generates the greatest interest. (60% very interested in participating) • Parents are most interested in hearing about these issues from those who have an expertise in dealing with adolescent development and direct experience interacting with preteens. • e.g. child’s pediatrician, adolescent development experts, school guidance counselor, friend/family with preteens/teens 9

10. A lot of difference Some difference A little difference/no difference Parents Believe They Can Make A Difference How much difference do you think you can make in these areas? Helping my child develop healthy, respectful romantic relationships Helping my child avoid unhealthy or abusive romantic relationships Start Strong communities Start Strong communities

11. Parents’ Likelihood Of Talking With Their Preteens About Selected Issues % rating themselves as extremely likely* to discuss each with their preteens Start Strong Communities 75% 69% 66% 62% 54% 53% Importance of developing healthy, respectful romantic relationships to improve their child’s overall health and well-being, including appropriate way to treat others and to expect to be treated by others How their child uses the Internet and cell phone to interact in a romantic relationship and how to deal with threatening, pressuring, controlling, or inappropriate behavior How to deal with peer pressure from friends or classmates on issues related to romantic relationships Making healthy decisions around romantic relationships, sex, and love How their child can deal with threatening, pressuring, or controlling behavior from someone their age with whom they have a romantic relationship Dating violence, warning signs, and how to protect against it *10 rating on zero-to-10 scale