Parents can now get information about drug abuse and teens via their mobile devices, thanks to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which has launched the smartphone and tablet-accessible resources in conjunction with National Substance Abuse Prevention Month events in October.

NIDA, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has upgraded its popular teen website to a “responsive design” model that automatically adjusts to fit the viewer’s screen for better viewing through smartphones and tablets. The new design is also more engaging, with larger, more vibrant buttons that link directly to resources that provide answers to questions and concerns related to drug abuse in adolescents.

The teen site continues to house free, interactive resources such as its teen blog and PEERx, an online educational initiative to discourage abuse of prescription drugs among teens.

In addition to the redesigned teen site, NIDA’s improved Parents and Educators page makes it easier for caregivers and teachers to find free, scientifically based prevention and education resources. Examples include Family Checkup — a tool for talking with children about drugs — as well as the latest science-based information on the health effects and consequences of drug abuse. Teachers can also find free resources for elementary, middle and high school students, including examples of classroom-based science experiments from the NIH Lab Challenge.

To reach adults with limited literacy skills, NIDA’s Easy-to-Read website now includes Spanish-language versions of its Drug Facts pages; its What is Addiction? section; as well as two easy to understand videos explaining the science behind drug addiction.

“By using improved Web and handheld device strategies to distribute research findings, we can reach a broader audience,” said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow.

Click here for more information on drug prevention among children and adolescents.