Resources for Parents of Higher Education Students

Your Role is Crucial to Success

Parents play a pivotal role in students’ lives and our efforts to provide institutions with quality programs that support their strategy to promote healthy behaviors and address critical issues such as sexual assault and relationship violence, substance abuse, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

YOUR ROLE

How to Engage with Your Student

While this transition is an exciting time for students, research shows that the first few weeks of college pose the highest risk across a variety of behaviors, including alcohol use and sexual assault. During the transition to college, parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in continuing to make a positive impact on their student’s health and well-being.

Here’s some research to give you confidence:

Parental monitoring has been shown to be a protective factor in adolescent dating relationships, including the prevention of dating victimization.1

When parents show an interest in and monitor their child’s free time during the transition to college, students are less likely to spend time with heavy drinking peers and are more likely to limit their personal consumption during their first year.2

1Leadbeater, B., Banister, E., Ellis, W., & Yeung, R. (2008). Victimization and Relational Aggression in Adolescent Romantic Relationships: The Influence of Parental and Peer Behaviors, and Individual Adjustment. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37(3), 359-372.

2Abar, C., & Turrisi, R. (2008). How important are parents during the college years? A longitudinal perspective of indirect influences parents yield on their college teens’ alcohol use. Addictive Behaviors, 33(10), 1360-1368.

RESOURCE AREAS

Critical Resource Information

The information provided on this site will help you understand what your student will learn about through participation in Vector Solutions courses. There are also several resources for you to learn more about these issues and be prepared to engage your student in thoughtful conversation. It’s important to remember that even if your student has not experienced these issues, they will very likely know someone who has and may have the opportunity to be an “active bystander” in order to assist their friends or peers.

  • Alcohol and Other Drug Use Resources for Parents of Higher Education Students

  • Sexual Assault Prevention Resources for Parents of Higher Education Students