Teen Drug Help
Communication is Key in Addressing Teen Drug Use
Michael and Meme are juniors at Vashon High School in Puget Sound, Washington. From their perspective, communication trumps attempted eradication as the key to preventing teen drug use.
"Virtually no community exists today without some kind of substance around, whether it is alcohol, prescription pills, or spray paint. Some grow in our soil, like psychedelic mushrooms, and it is literally impossible to get rid of them. So, as teenagers, we hope that the focus is on communication between two separate entities - teenagers and adults - instead of wasting time trying to eliminate drugs entirely."
Bridging the communication gap between teens and parents gives teens the information they need to make wise decisions. It also builds the type of relationship between parents and teens that gives parents genuine influence in their kids' lives. Source: Vashon Beachcomber
Labels: communication, parental-involvement, relationships
Missouri Mom Accused of Giving Alcohol to Teens
Karen Downs of Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested in March for providing vodka for several young teenagers at her daughter's birthday party. She reportedly offered $10 to whoever could drink a glass of vodka the fastest.
"Police responded to a complaint of a loud party at a home in northern Kansas City... One girl who was unconscious was taken to a hospital, where her blood content was later determined to be .218, more than twice the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle."
A second girl, who was believed to be suffering from alcohol poisoning, was also taken to the hospital. Police officers said they found between 60 and 70 empty beer bottles and several empty liquor bottles in the home's basement. They are hoping the incident will serve as a lesson to parents and teens alike about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking. Source: Associated Press
Labels: consent, liability, parents
Mobile Campaign vs. Drugs Underway
Partnership for a Drug-Free America has announced its first-ever mobile public service campaign. It is joined by Ringleader Digital and marketing company Contagious.
"The campaign utilizes banner advertisements on targeted Web sites that drive to mobile ... sites where parents can sign up to access tips, tools, and advice from Partnership's Time to Talk program. Parents can also sign up to receive their first 'talk tip' via text message."
The websites and ads, which can be viewed on cell phones and personal digital assistants that have internet capability, give the Partnership an effective avenue through which to share its important message and information. Source: BusinessWire
Labels: awareness, prevention
Steroid Tests Don't Net Many Teens
State testing programs that try to catch teenagers using steroids appear to be losing steam. Results from tests in four states found that just 18 tests out of more than 30,000 (one half of one percent) came back positive.
"Testing advocates argue that results from the four states show the program works as a deterrent. Critics say they show the flaws in how the tests were conducted. Either way, it's becoming harder amid a recession to justify spending up to $200 each on tests that rarely catch cheaters."
The programs were a response to the doping scandals that have plagued professional athletes in recent years. However, even proponents of the testing programs acknowledge the existence of flaws, such as the absence of testing during the summer months. Source: WFMY News2 (NC)
Labels: steriods, testing
Letters Deliver Sobering Message for Parents who Host Underage Drinking Parties
Parents and students from the Birmingham-Bloomfield, Michigan school district will gather together on Wednesday, March 25, to stuff and mail more than 4,000 letters. The letters are signed by local police chiefs and address the issues and consequences parents will face if they host underage drinking parties.
"The Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition is sponsoring the letter-writing campaign. This is the sixth year the coalition has participated with other Oakland County coalitions in sending this message to parents in their respective communities."
The letters will be addressed to parents of high school students that attend public and private schools in the district. They will also be mailed in police department envelopes, will remind parents of the legal ramifications for hosting underage parties, and will give parents tips for keeping their teens safe. Source: Birmingham (MI) Observer-Eccentric
Labels: liability, parents, party
