The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition April 2025, Issue 4
Underage Drinking: Let’s Talk About the Consequences In the last newsletter, we talked about how to establish rules against underage alcohol use and your family’s specific consequences of use with your child. This month, we’re going to go over some of the other types of consequences of underage drinking that you can discuss with your child to deepen and expand your conversations. The impacts of alcohol use below are useful topics to learn about and explore on your own and, perhaps more importantly, along with your child. Keep reading to learn more about the academic, extracurricular, and legal consequences of use. Then, start up a conversation! Alcohol and Academics Underage drinking can have an immense impact on a child’s academic performance and school life. Compared to their non-drinking peers, children who use alcohol are more likely to miss class, receive poor grades, and experience behavioral issues that disrupt their learning. Youth alcohol use harms the adolescent brain, which can cause short and long-term impairments to many aspects of a child’s cognitive functioning. These include their ability to use executive functioning skills required for academics, comprehend and interpret visual information, form memories, and learn new information. In fact, studies have shown that the brain’s hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory, can be 10% smaller in underage drinkers. Effects on Clubs, Sports, and More In addition to affecting their time in school, underage drinking can also have a negative impact on a child’s extracurricular and out-of-school activities. Children who drink underage are more likely to be chronically absent from activities, lose interest in them, and withdraw from their peers. Alcohol’s impact is particularly present in athletics, since underage drinking affects many of the skills required in sports. This is because it impairs the brain, causing underage alcohol use to affect balance, fine motor skills, information processing, reaction time, and more—all of which will harm a child’s athletic performance. Research shows that underage use also increases the likelihood of injury and the amount of recovery time needed. Underage Drinking and the Law If a child is caught drinking underage, they can face serious legal consequences. Since 1988, it has been illegal for people under the age of twenty-one to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol in all fifty states. In Illinois, any underage person who does so, as well as any underage person who misrepresents their age to access alcohol, can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Penalty options available to the judge for a Class A misdemeanor include community service, supervision, a fine of up to $2,500, and a jail sentence of up to 364 days. Prevention Starts With You! Underage alcohol use can have consequences far beyond these. As a parent, the best way to prevent use is to have an open dialogue with your child so that they understand the risks and know that you care. Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster! Students will see these posted, along with newsletters, throughout their hallways, reminding them that their health matters. Each sign provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects that vaping can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Making healthy choices is cool. Not vaping inspires others not to vape. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice! Becca Anderson Power of Choice Middle School Coordinatorranderson@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – High School Edition
Teens Looks Up to Their Parents As you support your teenager, the Power of Choice supports you! A parent is a child’s original hero. Their role model. They hear you even as they rebel. Teens differentiate themselves from parents in many ways. They might dye their hair and push boundaries. For the most part, they do love their parents. Knowingly or unknowingly, they tend to want your approval. And so it is a good practice to periodically mention your expectations of them adhering. The Power of Choice is an alcohol prevention communication campaign that has supported local families, educators and teens for over 20 years. It provides good feeling posters and positive reminders at school about healthy decisions. It equips students and staff with Illinois Youth Survey data – results from anonymous surveys they completed at school. The statistics are shared on the campaign posters and images on bulletin boards and monitors. The messages are subtle, uplifting, and encouraging while gently mentioning staying substance-free. The campaign’s aim is to prevent use, and also reduce repeat use and harm for teens who want to reduce and stay substance-free. Most teens don’t drink, or use other drugs. Some become fans of the campaign, even getting involved and helping create the Power of Choice campaign materials. They invite peers to join their Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meetings, or a Snowball Retreat. The YAC high school students review and revise the Power of Choice campaign materials at their monthly meetings. If your student might bring something to or get something from the YAC group, they can go to instagram @yac_360 or email Sarah Indlecoffer at Sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org for upcoming meeting dates. Take time to listen while talking with your teen. Parents are all about helping their teen go after their life’s hopes and dreams. The reality is whether curiosity, anxiety, depression, stress, or another reason, all of our teens are at risk of substance use. This includes alcohol, vaping, THC or another intoxicant. Many are unaware of the real risks of dependency, school problems, legal, health, possible exposure to fentanyl and other consequences. Some teens struggle with mental health challenges. Others don’t know what to do with expectations they perceive around them, that are about them. Continue to allow them to feel safe talking about sensitive topics by practicing those listening skills. Keep your mind open. They will know you care about them and want them to end up with good things in their life. This helps them to respect your values including the expectation that they steer clear of alcohol and other drugs. Connect With Us! facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition February 2025, Issue 3
How to Establish Alcohol-Use Rules (And Have Them Followed) Middle school is an infamously difficult time – and not just for students. Parenting a middle schooler can be quite the challenge. Sometimes it feels like your words go entirely unheard, or if they do listen, they want to do exactly the opposite of what you say. So, what can you do to make sure your kids not only listen when you talk about underage drinking, but also follow your family’s rules about alcohol use? Keep reading to learn about how you can establish and talk about rules with your student so that they understand and listen to them. How do I establish no-alcohol-use rules? It’s important to discuss your family’s rules surrounding alcohol use with your child. To avoid confusion, take the time to thoroughly explain your opinions and expectations surrounding alcohol. While it’s necessary to be firm in your stance that your child shouldn’t drink, be clear that this rule isn’t about “asserting your power” or restricting your child’s personal freedom – it’s about keeping them safe. Studies have shown that parenting styles that focus on restricting freedoms and emphasizing obedience fail to support children’s need for autonomy, causing them to potentially turn to alcohol and other risky behaviors to regain control. Instead, show your child that you are coming from a place of kindness and are interested in hearing their side, too. How do I choose the consequences? During these conversations, it can be helpful to try to include your student in establishing the specific consequences for breaking your family’s rule to not drink underage. Framing the consequences as a discussion rather than a lecture can help build mutual respect, understanding, and give your child a necessary sense of autonomy. In fact, research supports that parents who are open to negotiating rather than demanding obedience have psychologically healthier children. After laying out the consequences that are right for your family, be consistent with asserting and enforcing them. How do I effectively look out for alcohol use? Monitoring for alcohol use is a very important part of preventing underage drinking, but it only works if another component comes with it: warmth. Parental warmth refers to how loving, caring, and involved parents are in their children’s lives. Research shows that parenting styles focused on monitoring with no or low warmth may actually increase the likelihood of youth using alcohol and other substances. On the other hand, parenting styles that focus on creating structure in a warm and autonomy-supporting way were shown to be effective in preventing underage use. Effective monitoring focuses on building trust with your child and cultivating an environment where your child is comfortable voluntarily sharing where they are going and what they are up to. You are looking out for your child because you love and care about them, and you can reflect those feelings in the way that you monitor for use. Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster! Students will see these posted, along with newsletters, throughout their hallways, reminding them that their health matters. Each sign provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects that vaping can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Avoiding vapes can help your zzz’s. Vaping nicotine is linked to sleep problems. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice! Becca Anderson Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator randerson@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition October 2024, Issue 1
Talk With Your Child About Underage Drinking While underage drinking may not seem like a very pressing conversation topic for a middle schooler, it is vital that parents establish an open line of communication about alcohol use early. This makes sure that teens feel supported as they grow older and are exposed to more challenges surrounding alcohol use. Parent-child relationships have a large impact on children’s drinking habits, so maintaining a healthy connection with your child is also a powerful contributing factor to preventing teen drinking. With this in mind, your conversation with your child about underage drinking will help contribute to a much larger effort to build a strong relationship. Give Your Child Space to Talk Be clear as you start the conversation that it isn’t about lecturing your child, it’s truly a conversation, meaning that you also want to hear their perspective. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about underage drinking. Be an active listener and show them that you care about what they are saying. If you show respect for your child and their perspective, they are much more likely to listen to and respect yours. Know the Facts Many kids—and parents—might think they already know all they need to about underage drinking and general alcohol use, but there are a lot misconceptions and underdiscussed facts surrounding these topics. Before you talk with your child, try to learn about the topics that might come up, like the risks of underage drinking, how to handle peer pressure, reasons teens choose not to drink, and common myths about alcohol. The “Additional Resources” section at the bottom of this page provides some helpful sites for beginning your research. During your conversation, in addition to sharing what you’ve learned with your child, ask them what they know about alcohol and investigate more about the truths of underage drinking together. Normalize Not Drinking Even though studies have shown that the majority of 8th graders, and teens in general, don’t drink, teens often still feel like many people around them are drinking. This perceived social pressure to fit in by drinking is a large contributing factor for underage drinking. If children believe that many of their peers and teens at large are drinking, they may feel pressured to do so too. Tell your child that most students do not use alcohol and share the facts about low rates of teen alcohol use with them. It’s important that children know they are not alone in making the healthy decision to not drink. Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster! Students will see these posted, along with newsletters, throughout their hallways, reminding them that their health matters. Each sign provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects that vaping can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Be kind to your mind. Nicotine in vapes can make anxiety worse. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Becca Anderson Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator RAnderson@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition December 2024, Issue 2
TALKING ABOUT THE RISKS OF UNDERAGE DRINKING One major contributor to why kids decide to use alcohol is the normalization – or even glorification – of alcohol in their environment. Middle schoolers are consuming online content and other media more than ever, and this content informs how they think about underage drinking. Songs, TV shows, movies, and social media posts all influence a child’s perception, often in a negative way. Pop culture often portrays drinking as glamorous, exciting, and fun while leaving out the negative consequences that come with it. It’s important that you talk to your child about alcohol use and make sure that they understand the reality of underage drinking. Tell them about the social, physical, and mental health risks that come with alcohol use. Social Consequences Youth alcohol use can negatively impact a teen’s social health in many ways. Frequent and heavy alcohol use has been linked to an increased likelihood to get into physical fights and develop antisocial behaviors. Studies have found that, compared to their non-drinking peers, frequent heavy adolescent drinkers are nearly 3 times more likely to be in fights and over 6 times more likely to be injured in a fight. Teen drinking can also strain a teen’s relationships with their family and friends, result in legal consequences, and cause unplanned pregnancies due to an increase in risky sexual behaviors. Underage drinking can cause youth to experience difficulties at school, like more absences, lower grades, and getting in trouble due to their behaviors. Mental Health Impacts Underage drinking is associated with a wide range of mental health concerns, including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, future alcohol misuse, and even suicide. Alcohol use can also impair a teen’s stress response, causing stressful events to be more damaging and lengthening recovery time. Perhaps most notably, teen alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), a medical condition generally characterized by continued alcohol use despite awareness of negative. AUD is a chronic and progressive disorder that can severely impact all facets of a person’s life. Youth who drink are at a significantly greater risk of developing AUD. In fact, research shows that adolescents who start drinking before age 15 are over 5 times more likely to develop AUD than people who only drank after reaching legal age. Physical Health Impacts Underage alcohol use increases a teen’s risk of being injured through alcohol-related falls, burns, drowning, and car accidents. Frequent drinkers are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk of serious harm, including using other substances and driving under the influence.. Like with mental and social health, underage drinking can also have long-term, and even life-long, impacts on a child’s physical health. These long lasting impacts for children who repeatedly and heavily use alcohol include slowed brain development, heart and liver diseases, brain damage, high blood pressure, and much more. In total, the World Health Organization estimates that alcohol use contributes to over 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions. Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster! Students will see these posted, along with newsletters, throughout their hallways, reminding them that their health matters. Each sign provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects that vaping can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Give your brain time to grow. Vaping nicotine can harm the developing brain. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Becca Anderson Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator randerson@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition April 2024, Issue 4
Talk with your child about not drinking underage It’s important to set clear boundaries with your child as they get older and gain more independence. As important as it is for kids to grow and experience the world on their own, it’s also important for parents to set expectations that support healthy coping skills and physical wellness, as well as address any potential struggles that a child could face. This includes letting your teen know that underage drinking is not permitted in your family. Setting boundaries and enforcing consequences could be intimidating, but it is an opportunity to provide care and support to your child. Staying connected to your child is the best way to know what they think about topics like underage drinking. Natural and Enforced Consequences There are many types of consequences, including enforced consequences and natural consequences. As a parent, you may choose to set a consequence for your child if they are not adhering to a boundary that you’ve set for your family, such as underage drinking. There is also the possibility that consequences occur that are not set by the parent. Many schools will enforce consequences if a student is caught drinking underage. There also may be repercussions with the child’s sports, clubs, or law enforcement. Letting your child know that these things are a possibility before the child is faced with the decision to drink underage can help your child choose to not partake. The goal is not to scare your teen, but to inform them of real life scenarios that they have the power to prevent. There is also the possibility of long-term consequences such as physical health concerns, addiction, and the development of negative coping skills. These scenarios are all preventable by informing your child of their potential to exist, and providing support for your child throughout these conversations. Addressing a Need for Care In addition to enforcing consequences, parents can let their child know that they will first and foremost address a need for care. If a child is caught underage drinking, the underlying reasons may be deeper than curiosity. Let your child know that if they are in a situation where underage drinking is present, you will be available to drive them home and provide support. Your teen may need a listening ear more than anything. Sometimes underage drinking is linked with stress, friend struggles at school, or feelings of sadness. Allow them to ask questions and use you as a resource for things they may be struggling with. Stay in the Loop Remember to listen to your child with an open mind, and allow them to share what they’ve seen or experienced. Ask about your child’s friends and their opinions on things going on at school. Facilitating an open channel of communication can be a huge help to your relationship as your teen gets older. Asking open-ended questions and accepting your child’s answer can encourage them to choose to come to you with their struggles and successes. Remember that your child is their own person, experiencing life in their own way, and being open to their mindset will strengthen your relationship. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Protect your breath, one choice at a time. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Emily Walgren, BS Power of Choice Middle School CoordinatorEWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition February 2024, Issue 3
Let your child know you’re watching out for them As your child gets older, it’s natural to gain more independence. It’s important for young people to have the confidence to move through the world on their own. As a parent, it’s a crucial time to continue strengthening bonds that will help maintain your trusting relationship with your child. Set clear expectations about not drinking underage so they can anticipate the consequences if they are ever put in that situation. Talk about healthy coping skills with your child so they have the resources to be able to choose to be alcohol-free. Paying attention to how your child is coping with stress is important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be genuinely curious about your child’s life. This is a great way to build a safe space for your child to be open and honest. Set Clear Expectations It’s very possible that your child may not encounter a situation where they are faced with underage substance use. But it’s important that your child will know what to expect if they are caught making that choice. Let your child know that you do not allow underage drinking, but also that you will be there to pick them up, or provide a ride home if needed. Let your child know that they can use you as an excuse for not using, i.e. “I can’t, my parents would make my life miserable!” The goal isn’t to scare them, rather to inform them on your family expectations. Let them know that in addition to family consequences, they may also face repercussions at their school or with their sports teams. Also, prolonged use can affect both physical and mental health. Let your child know about these facts before they are faced with making a decision, so they will have the knowledge to make an informed decision. Some teens may not know the effects of drinking underage, and it’s important to educate them in a calm and clear way. Talk About Healthy Coping Skills Some teens may unknowingly use substances as a way to cope with the difficult parts of life. It‘s important to have conversations about coping with stress, anxiety, sadness, frustration, etc. Share about your own life, and what things have worked for you when you’re feeling overwhelmed or upset. Check in with your teen about their mental health, and take their thoughts and feelings seriously. Let your child know that you are there for them, and they can always talk to you. Setting the pattern of using healthy coping skills at a young age can help set your child up for success in the future. As a parent, it’s important to model what healthy coping looks like. Be mindful of statements like “Today’s been so hard, I need a drink!” They are listening. Be In the Know A great way to stay connected in your child’s life is to show genuine interest. Keep up with who their friends are, and get to know who your child is spending time with. Ask your child about their friendships, their sports or activities, or their interests, and be curious about their personalities. It’s easy to forget that kids do have whole lives at school and away from home- so ask them about it! Some young people may be more reluctant to share personal details right away, so frame questions generally rather than focused on your child specifically. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Protect your breath, once choice at a time. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Emily Walgren, BS Power of Choice Middle School CoordinatorEWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition December 2023, Issue 2
There are risks involved with drinking underage The safety and wellbeing of our youth is a huge priority for all parents. Setting curfews, monitoring screen time, and making sure they eat their vegetables are all ways that we keep our kids safe. Encouraging your child to choose to stay alcohol-free is another way to protect young people. Arming them with the knowlege and confidence to forge their own path is a great way to prepare your middle schooler for situations that could arise in the future. Having conversations about the risks involved with underage drinking early on can help your child be prepared to make a safe decision in the moment. Help protect your child’s physical and mental health, as well as their opportunities by finding moments to have open conversations. Protect Their Physical Health There are many factors that can affect how drinking will impact one’s physical health. At a young age, alcohol can affect brain development and the ability to learn. Your brain is still developing until age 25, and alcohol use in the formative years can impact this process. The brain is also more primed for addiction at a younger age, and drinking can become a learned behavior if it is introduced underage. Genetics also play a huge role in how one interacts with an addictive substance, and young people often don’t know these risk factors and their family history. Have conversations with your child about these topics, and remind them that by choosing to not drink, they are avoiding these potential complications. Remind your child that they have the power to control whether or not they have the chance of encountering any of these risk factors, and that they are worthy of a healthy mind and body. Protect Their Mental Health Some students may already be struggling with concerns about mental health. Some may not be and would like to keep it that way! Whether these concerns are situational or chronic, they can impact a child’s experience at school and personally. Alcohol consumption may ease mental health distress, but it’s important that we remind our young people that there are resources available to help in a constructive way. When a young person uses alcohol to ease their anxiety or stress, they never develop the positive coping skills they’ll need throughout life. At home, parents can remind their children that they are available as a support system, and are able to lend a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on when needed. This can help remind a young person that they and their mental health are valued and worth being cared for. Be a Good Listener Remember to listen to your child with an open mind, and allow them to share what they’ve seen or experienced. As kids get older, they are paying attention to how you respond to them. They are looking for support as they explore their world in a more independent way. If they sense judgment, they may not feel as comfortable coming to you with these more sensitive conversations. It’s important to create a space for your child to feel safe to ask questions and gain more knowledge as they are getting older. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Make every breath count. Ingredients in vapes can scar your airways, making it hard to breathe. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Emily Walgren, BS Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator EWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – Middle School Edition October 2023, Issue 1
Clear Up Misunderstandings Your child may have misconceptions about underage substance use. Allow them to share their thoughts with you and investigate the truth together, rather than lecturing your child. Kids are exposed to a variety of viewpoints and sources that may or may not be trustworthy, but you can help guide them without discounting their experiences. One of the most popular reasons that young people choose to use substances underage is because they’ve seen someone else do it – a relative, a friend, or a classmate. It’s important to remind your student to be a careful consumer of information from friends, social media, and other adults. Encourage your child to trust their instincts and remind them that you are a resource if they are ever confused about something they’ve seen or heard. Be There for Your Child As much as we want our kids to be able to say no to things that make them uncomfortable, we know that saying no can be much more complicated in a social situation. Remind your child that you understand this, and that you are there to support them as needed. Allow your child to call you if they need a ride home from a gathering where people are drinking or using other substances – and make sure that you are there to support in the moment. Consequences and more serious talks can happen at a later time, after everyone is home and had a good night’s rest. This will encourage your child to use you as a resource in these times of need. Be a Good Listener Remember to listen to your child with an open mind, and allow them to share what they’ve seen or experienced. As kids get older, they are paying attention to how you respond to them. They are looking for support as they explore their world in a more independent way. If they sense judgment, they may not feel as comfortable coming to you with these more sensitive conversations. It’s important to create a space for your child to feel safe to ask questions and gain more knowledge as they are getting older. Vaping Prevention at Your Child’s School Check out the latest Power of Choice Middle School vaping campaign poster. Students will see these posted throughout their hallways and on television screens, reminding them that their health matters! Each material provides facts and information on the potentially harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on their growing bodies. You can view the materials on our website here. Middle school poster: Make every breath count. Ingredients in vapes can scar your airways, making it hard to breathe. Additional Resources Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Illinois Liquor Control Commission Prevention First Drugree.org Connect with Power of Choice Emily Walgren, BS Power of Choice Middle School Coordinator EWalgren@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360twitter.com/360Preventionthepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.
The Power of Choice – High School Edition Back to School 2023
‘You Always Have a Choice’ 2023-24 School Year Theme Parents, grandparents, guardians, caregivers—all adults in a teenager’s life—what would you say if your teen asks, “What’s Power of Choice?” At orientations, open houses, and teacher-parent conferences, you and your teenager might notice Power of Choice posters on bulletin boards or TV monitors with positive messages about staying substance-free. In your own words, you can say: Power of Choice is a campaign focused on resiliency to support all students to increase the number who prefer staying alcohol-, marijuana-, and vape-free. Despite perceptions to the contrary, most students are substance-free. It is true! The posters share the facts, which take the pressure off students to worry less about fitting in, and be themselves. They might try getting involved, check out an activity. Coping with stress and having fun in healthier ways than using addictive substances increases the chances of paying attention in class. That can lead to finding at least one subject they’re interested in. So, if your child asks about the Power of Choice, we’ve got you covered. Talking points in bold below. Why have a substance use prevention communication campaign at school? Parenting is an important job. A caring adult in the home is a teen’s main role model. Parents and educators can both be mentors. Both are all about helping teens go after their life’s hopes and dreams. The reality is, whether curiosity, anxiety, depression, stress, or another reason, all adolescents are at risk of substance use. This includes alcohol, vaping, THC or another intoxicant. Many teens are unaware of the real risks of dependency, school problems, legal, health, and other consequences. Some struggle with mental health challenges. Others don’t know what to do with expectations they perceive around them, that are about them. Too many of our kids just about give up entirely on the ideals they’ve held for their future, losing direction in a fog of substance use. Some give up on themselves. That’s not OK. The Power of Choice messages are shared widely so that as many students as possible see them. They provide subtle positivity and encouragement. The campaign’s aim is to prevent use, and also reduce repeated use and harm for teens who want to quit. Teens who get this are fans of the campaign. Some even get involved in helping creating the Power of Choice campaign materials. They invite peers to join their Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meetings, a Snowball Retreat, or a summer camp teen leadership training on a college campus. In fact, before school started, hundreds voted for their favorite Power of Choice designs and messages for the 23-24 school year. Throwback/retro designs and the theme, you always having a choice, won! The YAC high school students review and revise the Power of Choice campaign materials at their monthly meetings. If you have a student who might bring something or get something from the YAC group, email Sarah Indlecoffer at Sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org, or direct the student to the group’s Instagram @yac_360. Who Is Behind the Power of Choice? For 20 years, trained prevention educators from 360 Youth Service power the campaign, in partnership with school districts 203 & 204, students, Naperville Police Department, KidsMatter, and parents. It’s funded in whole or in part by the IL Dept of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. All High Schools Can Register for a 2024 IYS Testing Date The Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) takes place statewide in private and public middle and high schools during second semester of the 2023-2024 school year. 360 Youth Services has been in touch with school administrators explaining the IYS and inviting them to register for their IYS survey date between January and June. The survey is administered by the Center for Prevention Research and Development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The anonymous survey takes about one class period to administer to 9th-12th graders. Its purpose is for schools, communities, the state and its grant-funded prevention projects such as the Power of Choice to gauge the prevalence of substance use and other attitudes and behaviors among young people and develop targeted prevention initiatives. Comparing the results every other year allows schools to evaluate, track and progress toward physical, social and mental health goals set by administrators. School climate, safety and bullying, feelings about school, their family support and rules about alcohol and marijuana use, are all factors that can contribute to risky behaviors and impede learning. By law, participation in the IYS is also tracked by the Illinois Report Card, the official source of information on school performance. Registration is open in September to high schools who choose a date during the second semester for their students to participate in the IYS survey. The First Poster Delivered Next Week! Parent/Caregiver: a Teen’s First Hero Teenagers look up to caring adults at home as role models. A parent who prefers healthier ways than substance use to relax and cope sends a powerful message. Parents aren’t Marvel movie superheroes. They are real life heroes! They give their family time and attention, and good things happen. Parents who recognize their own strength, can help their teenager to recognize theirs. As corny as it is, it’s something to celebrate! Keep going for walks, playing with pets, try reading the same book, doing an art project, or take a rec class together. Finding ways of taking care of your health as an adult speaks loudly. When life gets hard, even heroes shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. Seek help. Asking for help is a sign of strength! Parents, keep showing interest in things important to your teen to let them know they always have your love. And, let them know that they always have a choice. Is It Working? Connect With Us! Power of Choice High School Coordinator – Janyce Hamilton jhamilton@360youthservices.org facebook.com/PowerofChoice360 twitter.com/360Prevention thepowerofchoice.info Funded in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of