Survey From The Partnership and MetLife Foundation Reveals Important Role Today's Grandparents Play in Te...( Seven Out of Ten Grandparents Belie...),Health

Seven Out of Ten Grandparents Believe Today's Teens Face Greater Worries

Growing Up

NEW YORK, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free America(R), in collaboration with MetLife Foundation, today announced the results of a new survey highlighting the vital role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren. Released today, Grandparent's Day, the survey underscores the heightened awareness and understanding grandparents have of their grandchildren's lives and sheds light on grandparents as an important family resource in helping today's youth make healthy choices.

According to the nationally projectable survey(1), seven out of 10 (69 percent) grandparents reported they believe their grandchildren face greater worries than their parents did growing up. To that end, the majority of grandparents surveyed reported they believe main causes for increased worry among teens are peer pressure and pressure to try drugs and alcohol.

Additionally, 48 percent of grandparents believe that many of today's parents just don't have "enough time" -- and these significant time barriers prevent parents from talking with kids about drugs and alcohol. With over half (54 percent) of grandparents in regular contact with their oldest grandchild on a monthly basis, it is clear that grandparents are an important ally for modern families. The survey shows that while grandparents did not accept sole responsibility for any one activity in their grandchild's life, many do feel they share responsibility with the child's parents to provide guidance and care in the lives of their grandchildren.

"Today's grandparents are more active and involved in the lives of their grandchildren and this unique research provides rich insight into the significant role grandparents play as caregivers in their extended families," said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership. "The number of frequent discussions between pare
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