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Teens have Easy Access to Prescription Drugs

By Erika von Tiehl
July 8, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM EDT


It's been called an epidemic. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, one in five teens is abusing prescription medicines. Experts say one reason is accessibility, including the fact that kids can order drugs from dealers all over the world with just a click of a mouse. In fact, researchers at Columbia University found a 70 percent increase in the number of websites selling and advertising prescription drugs just since last year.

What's more, according to the same study, 84 percent of these sites require no prescription. Also, there are no restrictions stopping the sale of these drugs to children. There are steps parents can take to keep your kids safe: First, experts say you should know these websites are out there. Next, make sure your computer is in a family area, so you can supervise your teen's on-line time. Finally, explain to your children the dangers of prescription medicines when taken without a doctor's supervision.

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