Thanks to all the parents and community members who joined us for last night’s HOTV Continue the Conversation community gathering about supporting teens & their families.
Save the date!
HOTV’s next TEEN-focused event is February 7th at the Mill Valley Community Center
We’re partnering with Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative to give teens the tools they need to navigate wellness and mental health in today’s world. They’ll learn how to talk to their friends and peers and support them through tough times. All are welcome - young adults and adults, too.
Join our Teen Activities Committee!
Help find and create healthier, more meaningful evening/weekend activities for Marin teens. Email Cindi Frame for more info.
Event Recap
The event's panel discussion featured three high school seniors and adolescent psychotherapist Heather Johnson, MA, LMFT. Panel members shared their experiences and observations about being a teenager in Marin, particularly around drug and alcohol use.
Finally, attendees broke into groups to discuss (1) working to organize safe activities for teens on Friday and Saturday nights and (2) how to communicate with your kids to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect to empower kids to make healthy and safe choices.
Key Takeaways
Many teens think that in order to fit in they need to drink and/or take drugs - even though a majority of kids aren’t actually using. Many also drink and use because they’re so stressed out.
Peer-to-peer drug and alcohol education is the most effective way to inform kids about the impact of their choices.
Many teens feel they don’t get enough alcohol education at school or at home, but it would help them to learn about safe limits, how much is too much, etc.
Driving under the influence of both drugs and alcohol is much more pervasive than most parents think.
Instead of using the phrase "drunk driving", we ALL need to talk about "driving under the influence" to include other substances besides alcohol - including marijuana and prescription drugs.
When teens are under the influence, they may not realize they’re impaired, and they think it’s “fine” to drive.
Many teens don’t feel they can call their parents for help if they are incapacitated and need to get home.
Parenting matters!
When parents create a relationship based on mutual trust and respect with their teens, teens are more likely to be open and honest about what they’re doing.
Parents are important role models for their kids in how they consume alcohol and other substances.
Getting curious instead of furious about WHY is more effective than focusing just on the behaviors.
Staying safe!
Most teens don’t know when to call 911 and how Good Samaritain laws protect them when they get help for someone overdosing on alcohol/drugs.
Many parents and teens don’t know the legal consequences of hosting a party and driving under the influence.
Have a plan before teens go out. Talk about who is driving, who will be designated drivers, how they can contact you if they need a ride home, etc.
Naloxone/ Narcan - good graphic on administering, and here’s where you can get free Narcan kits.
Resources
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Together we can create a community where everyone is safe, thriving, and welcome.