Weed on the Web: Kids Buying Marijuana Online

by SAMHSA

The World Wide Web acts as a megastore where users can purchase almost anything, including illegal substances like marijuana. With about 30 million children in the United States under 18 using the Internet each day, parents and caring adults must be extra careful about their kids' online activities.

What To Know (Major points)

Teens spend an average of 16.7 hours online weekly - more than they spend watching TV. Some online drug manufacturers use this fact to market directly to kids and teens.

Marijuana was one of the top 100 words looked up on search engines in 2003. Typing the word "marijuana" into a search engine can yield over 1 million listings.

Many Web sites promote marijuana use and may be sending messages that conflict with things kids have heard from their parents and teachers.

Marijuana is one of the most common drugs promoted on the Internet, and information about growing, using, and selling it can be found on the Web. Marijuana pipes, seeds, and other items also can be bought online.

Many sales of marijuana or other illegal drugs are completed online since dealers and buyers often can mask their identities. But people who buy and sell illegal drugs online risk being scammed or busted in a sting operation. Legislators and law enforcement personnel are developing new procedures that can be used to address drug-related activities in cyberspace.

Safer Surfing

As a parent or caring adult, you can help protect your child from marijuana or other illegal drugs on the Internet by following these tips:

Talk with your child about how to use the Internet safely. Check out the online safety rules for kids from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Make rules and set limits for Internet use, and be firm with your child about keeping them. These rules may include time limits for Internet use or not using the Internet for play until after homework or chores are done.

Monitor your child's Internet use. Keep the computer in an area of the home where everyone can see it and it is used by the entire family. Know the Web sites your child is visiting and what they are about. Be careful about letting your child visit chat rooms - keep an eye on your child's online chats, and make sure he does not give out his personal information on the Internet.

Invest in filtering software. You can buy software to help prevent your child from accessing unsafe Web sites. But keep in mind that filtering software does not replace parental guidance.

The Internet can be a great resource for your child to get help with his schoolwork, talk with friends, play games, or read a newspaper. But if your child has access to the Internet, he also has access to marijuana and other illegal drugs. Discuss the rules of safe surfing with your child as well as the consequences for misusing the Internet. Setting limits on Internet use and monitoring your child's computer usage can help you keep your child safe on the information superhighway.

About the Author

www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.