Have you ever talked to your kids about the potential consequences of drug abuse?

Schools may offer their own programs that educate students about the important topic, but advocates in New Jersey say it is crucial for parents and guardians to be part of the conversation — and they need to get involved before kids reach an age at which falling victim to peer pressure is more likely.

"I think those conversations can't wait until a child is in their teen years," said Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. "If they're not learning it in their home, they're learning it through peers, they're learning it on the internet."

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