DrugFreeAzKids News

Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying

When this and previous generations of parents were growing up, bullying was often assumed to be an inevitable part of growing up. Kids today are more aware of the issue of bullying because of awareness, education and prevention efforts.  This is a good thing; however, children’s increased sensitivity to the matter may result in confusion among parents and kids alike about how to handle interpersonal problems.

What is bullying?

411 Drug Series: Dissolvable Tobacco

DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.

Poison Centers Calls for Hand Sanitizer on the Rise

A recent report from CNN states that a common household item, hand sanitizer, is being ingested by children more frequently.  According to an analysis by the Georgia Poison Center, poison control centers across the U.S.

411 Drug Series: Hookah

DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug.

Nine Ways to Filter Out Negative Influences

As parents, we know we need to do all we can to make sure our kids make good decisions. We also know that teens need to understand the consequences of their actions. But, what happens when there are clear negative influences in your teen’s life? Should parents speak up? Yes!

Parenting for Shame Resilience and Prevention

As more research is done to better understand the prevention, intervention and treatment of substance abuse disorders, more is known about the importance of recognizing the need for trauma resolution and of teaching shame resilience. When a person experiences traumatic events at a young age, they may not learn to self-soothe. This can set them up to seek things outside themselves, like the use of drugs and alcohol, to manage difficult emotions. People do what works for them, even if “what works” is ultimately damaging.

Are Your Teens Celebrating Blackout Wednesday?

While many of us associate Thanksgiving festivities with turkey, shopping and family time, did you know that some teens have something completely different on their minds? They might be gearing up for Blackout Wednesday. If you think Blackout Wednesday has anything to do with the traditional holiday festivities, think again. It’s considered one of the biggest “drinking holiday” events of the year for teens.  

Lower Drinking Age May Lead to Increased Dropout Rate

A new study lends support to keeping the current national minimum drinking age at 21.  The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs study suggests that lowering the minimum drinking age to 18 could increase the high school dropout rate.  Researchers say access to alcohol for younger peers would increase if legal-aged peers were present in a high school setting.  They examined dropout rates in the years before the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 raised the minimum drinking age to 21.

Great American Smoke Out

Quit like a champion! It’s time to kick the habit for good. And, we’re not just talking about a cigarette habit, but an e-cigarette habit, too. The American Cancer Society’s, Great American Smokeout on November 19, has always focused on tobacco use.

5 Lessons From Past Halloweens

For many across the country, the end of September marks the beginning of fall.  Here in the desert, however, summer tends to hang around a little bit longer with Halloween marking our unofficial start of the new season.  Below is a compilation of past blogs including information and tools to make this Halloween a memorable one for all the right reasons and get fall off to a safe start.