FN moms, do you have tweens in the family? If so, then you should know that this is a critical time for them. According to a new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, tweens, despite knowing the difference between right and wrong, have yet to make up their mind about cigarettes and alcohol.

To test this theory, researchers from Concordia University and State University of New York at Buffalo recruited nearly 400 kids between the ages of 10 and 12. They were then asked to match pictures of cigarettes and alcohol with both positive and negative words. Through this experiment, researchers were able to determine that while kids instinctively know these vices to be bad, they may also be easily swayed, given influences such as peer pressure and media portrayals.

Because of this, researchers plan to study the kids over a longer period to see if they will eventually give in to these social influences. This is also the expected result of the study. Despite the seemingly grim outcome, however, you still shouldn’t lose heart. Your children can grow up with outstanding values as long as you give them guidance.

For more on smoking and drinking, check these out on FN:

• New Study: Teen Smokers More Likely to Quit If They Exercise
• Movies with Binge Drinking Scenes May Influence Teens to Follow Suit
• Study Shows Your Teen's Binge Drinking Could Be Caused by Peer Pressure

Need more advice for handling your teens? Check out these articles:

• 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Love Herself
• Curfews, Boyfriends, and More: 6 Ways to Deal with Common Teen Issues
• Young Love: 8 Tips for Dealing with Your Teen's First Relationship
• New Study: Teens Look to Their Parents as Sexual Role Models
• The Parenting Files: 8 Stress Busters for Teens
• Teens at Risk: 12 Signs Your Teen Could Be Using Drugs
• How to Teach Your Teen about Smart Sex

(Photo by Rachel E. Chapman via Flickr Creative Commons)