The Associated Press reported Feb. 22 that the survey of 1,200 parents nationwide found that 12 percent said they never talk about drugs with their kids. Moreover, while few parents currently use drugs, many of those who came of age in the late 70s and early 80s expressed little concern about drug experimentation among their own kids. Only about half of those surveyed said they would be upset if their child tried marijuana.

"While the vast majority of parents have left old habits behind, they're carrying old attitudes and beliefs forward," said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of PDFA. "If old habits die hard, the data suggests lax attitudes about drugs die even harder."

Parents also tended to underestimate youth drug use. About 39 percent of teens have smoked marijuana, for instance, but only 18 percent of parents said they believe their own child has tried pot.

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