A report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that 20 percent of American parents think that what they say doesn't influence substance abuse among teens.

Smoking, drinking or illicit drug use among teenagers has become very common in today's world and according to a new report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in every five parents in the US feel what they have to say can in no way influence or control teens' substance abuse.

 The report also states that every one in ten parents also admit to never having spoken to their children aged between 12 and 17 about the use of illicit drug, smoking or drinking over the last year.

However, this is completely wrong, say experts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as parents are the most influential forces that can help shape their child's views on such issues.

"Surveys of teens repeatedly show that parents can make an enormous difference in influencing their children's perceptions of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde in a news release. "Although most parents are talking with their teens about the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, far too many are missing the vital opportunity these conversations provide in influencing their children's health and well-being. Parents need to initiate age-appropriate conversations about these issues with their children at all stages of their development in order to help ensure that their children make the right decisions."

The findings are a  result  of a recent survey conducted on more than 67,000 Americans teenagers aged 12 and older.  Peter Delany, director of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality at the SAMHSA, also states that teenagers who feel their parents would strongly object to the use of such substances are less likely to use them.

"Any time is a good time to talk to your kids when you have a chance. But if you haven't started talking to your kids, before school gets out is an especially good time," Delany says. "In the summer months, especially around holiday weekends, kids are more likely to get involved with substances."