Adolescent confidentiality
From age 12-13 onward, plan for confidential time alone with the patient at every visit. Explain that what they share is private, except for safety concerns (suicide risk, abuse, harm to others). This builds trust before the high-risk years and is the AAP standard.
Substance use (adolescent)
Annual screening with CRAFFT 2.1+N from age 12. Brief intervention for any positive screen. Discuss vaping, alcohol, marijuana, and prescription stimulants. Ride safety: never with an impaired driver, parents always pick up no questions asked.
Mental health (adolescent)
Annual depression and suicide-risk screening per USPSTF. Ask directly about mood, sleep, appetite, school, peer connection, social media, and substance exposure. Normalize asking for help. Provide resources before symptoms emerge. Crisis: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Driving safety
Graduated driver license rules; no phones, no passengers in first 6 months, no nighttime driving. Seatbelts every ride. Never drive impaired. Set a parent-teen driving agreement before they get the keys.