Thursday, April 7, 2011

Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month which is a great time to talk to your children about drinking. Here are some reason's why it's important to talk to your children:

-Children become curious and some try drinking as early as 9 years old.
Before age 9, children typically view drinking negatively. Between 9 and 13, they start to view alcohol more positively. Children become more aware of the drinking behavior of their parents and other adults.
-Conversation is often more effective before children start drinking.
The reason most children choose not to drink is because their parents talked to them about it. If  you talk to them directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol use.
-Children who start drinking at a young age are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life.
Children who begin drinking before age 15 are seven times more likely to abuse alcohol or to have alcohol problems as adults. By starting a conversation about alcohol early, you can stop them from making a decision that could potentially harm their health and future.
-The chance that children will use alcohol increases as they get older.
Around 10% if 12-yr-olds say they've tried alcohol, but by age 15 that number jumps to 50%. The sooner you talk to your child about alcohol, the greater chance you have of impacting his or her decisions about drinking.
-If you don't talk about it, you're saying something.
What you say to your child about alcohol use is up to you. But remember, if you don't say anything to your child about drinking, you might give the impression that underage drinking is acceptable.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Spring Break Tips for Teens and Parents

Spring break is right around the corner. Here are some tips for parents and teens taking a trip. Feel free to print these pages and take to the dinner table. It is just another excuse to talk to teens! You'll be glad you did and they will have the tools to stay safe.


http://www.antidrug.com/springbreak/

Friday, March 4, 2011

Are Your Teens Stressed?

Is your teen involved in lots of different activities at school? On top of that all the school work, projects, scholarships and other things that come along with school itself. Teens these days have a lot on their plate and may very well be stressed out. Talk to your teen to see how they are doing and see if they are overwhelmed. If so help them to scale back. Below is a link for you to help your child slow down and stress less.



http://www.timetotalk.org/Downloads/TTT_Stress_Tips.pdf?tr=y&auid=7867570

Monday, February 28, 2011

FAKE ID 101 CAMPAIGN


February 26, 2011 Excerpt from Lawrence Journal World article
No Faking: Lawrence police cracking down on bogus IDs
Archive for Saturday, February 26, 2011
Coalition uses KDOT grant to fight underage drinking

The Facebook ad targeted Lawrence area youths who might be looking for a fake ID.
Apparently, the power of advertising works.

A total of 5,247 people between the ages of 16 and 20 clicked on the ad that featured a fake ID using the character “McLovin’” from the movie “Superbad” during a 60-day period last semester.


But instead of getting a chance to obtain a fake ID that could be used to try to buy booze at Lawrence liquor stores and bars, people who clicked on the ad were directed to a website: the New Tradition Coalition of Lawrence, which combats alcohol abuse and underage drinking.

Coalition members said interest in the Facebook ad clearly illustrates the demand for fake IDs and the prevalence of underage drinking in Lawrence, particularly among Kansas University students.

“That bothered me because that many kids actually clicked on it because they were thinking they were going to get a fake ID,” said Jen Jordan, director of prevention for DCCCA. “We know that underage drinking is an issue in Lawrence and at KU and other colleges. We’re just trying to address it.”

Among the efforts is a project dubbed Fake ID 101.
See more at:
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2011/feb/26/no-faking-lawrence-police-cracking-down-bogus-ids/

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Check Yourself For Teens

All teenagers get curious about drugs and alcohol. Check yourself is a place for older teens to think in a focused way about their relationship with drugs and alcohol, and invites them to consider whether their substance use risks turning into a problem for them. So check out the website yourself and make sure to let your teen know about it. It help gives them important information as well as a voice with the discussion boards that are available. Click on the link below to go to the website:


http://www.checkyourself.com/

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse

Are you familiar with what medicines your kids are buying and how often or why they are taking them? Over-the-Counter Drugs are one of the most common drugs to be abused because they are so readily available. When taken in high doses kids can get a high effect but it is extremely dangerous when done. Find out more information about over-the-counter drugs and signs that your child is abusing them by clicking on the link below:

http://www.theantidrug.com/drug-information/otc-prescription-drug-abuse/over-the-counter-drug-abuse/default.aspx

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

New Texting & Driving Law


May 24th, 2010 - Kansas Texting Bill Signed into Law
Kansas Senate Bill 300 has been signed into law by Governor Parkinson.

The new law prohibits drivers from writing, sending, or reading a text message while driving.

The ban on text messaging went into effect on January 1st, 2011.

The minimum fine is $60 plus court costs and the maximum fine is $150. The consequences of texting while driving are even higher! Share this new law with people you know.