SAC Corner

As if discouraging substance use wasn't difficult enough. The above aren't highlighters, they are vapes designed to look like highlighters.

Take note of "highlighters" with the brand name "High Light" and whose "scents" are flavors. Take note if your kiddo takes "highlighters" with them out and about, to the bathroom, to their room, starts using them after never using them before, etc.

The title links to a website where you can view participating pharmacies that allow anyone 14yo+ to acquire naloxone at no cost.

The link also has information sheets and videos on how to respond to an opioid overdose.

Also!

Last year a *Special Edition* SAC Corner issue titled "Fentanyl" was sent out regarding the rise in overdoses, frequency of fentanyl (what it is), and information on naloxone. If you missed it or need a refresher, fear not! At the bottom of every SAC Corner you can find back issues and special editions linked.

This book, High, was written by a father and son. Nic is an addict in recovery and David is his father. They get very real about their own experiences as a family, they interview other young addicts, and they talk about drugs.

What are the different kinds of drugs? What happens if you take them? What does it feel like to take them? What does it feel like to come down from them? What if you mix them?

How do you know you're addicted? How do you know your kid is addicted? What is withdrawal like? How do you find treatment? What is treatment ACTUALLY like? Are any types of treatment more effective?

If you have a middle or high school aged child who you believe may be curious, experimenting, already using, or in danger - then I highly recommend this book. It may be best to read & discuss together, to facilitate honest and meaningful (&surprising) conversations together. It's a super fast read and written to be able to hold the teenage attention.

Stats

• Victims of cyberbullying are 4x as likely to engage in suicidal thoughts or attempts
• About 50% of teens have been bullied or harassed online
• 1/4 of teens have been called an offensive name online or on their cellphone
• 31% of those who have experienced cyberbullying believe they were targeted because of their physical appearance
• 1 in 10 have been physically threatened
• 7% have had explicit images of them shared without their consent on social media or via text message

Where

• social media (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YOLO, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
• cellphones (text messaging, group messaging)
• gaming forums, video games
• instant messages
• Kik, Sarahah, Askfm
• email

What to say to my kid

• It is not "tattling" to report bullying and cyberbullying
• Do not "like" or comment on images, posts, or videos that humiliate others (guilty by association)
• When it comes to private images or information, remind kids that even the best of friends can make bad judgement calls and friendships can change - keep passwords private, do not take explicit images, and care what you say in writing
• There is always someone more savvy than you. If you can think of a way to get or share information or be sneaky, so can someone else

ReThink is an app that our own Michele Barranger brought to our attention as a hugely helpful tool.

Parents/Caregivers can download the app on their child's devices and it detects when a person is about to post something that the program detects as "hate". It then prompts the person to reconsider their post before putting it online.

Recap: it is designed to stop bullying before it occurs and before damage is done (anyone getting a Minority Report movie vibe?)

There is no cost to students.

Research shows that when adolescents are alerted to "ReThink" their decision, they change their minds 93% of the time. Using ReThink™, the overall willingness of an adolescent to post an offensive message reduced from 71% to 4%.

Something to think about......

We know our kids are not hateful and do not want to truly hurt someone. We also know they don't have fully developed brains that lack in decision making, rational thoughts, and logic. Their brains are driven by their highly developed (and hormonal) emotions right now. Meaning even a nice and good hearted kiddo can make the mistake of cyberbullying in the heat of the moment. This app gives them a chance to stop in their tracks before they cause damage or get in trouble.

Do you have a student you feel needs to meet with me? Print and fill out this referral form and send it to me.

Issue No. 1: https://www.smore.com/vants

Issue No. 2: https://www.smore.com/ndbwe

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Issue No. 1: https://www.smore.com/nejd3

Issue No. 2: https://www.smore.com/e3kc9

Issue No. 3: https://www.smore.com/r38nb

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Issue No. 7: https://www.smore.com/xhqf10-sac-corner

Issue No. 8: https://www.smore.com/5kw2u

Issue No. 9: https://www.smore.com/5z3n9

Issue No. 10: https://www.smore.com/2g9zf

Fentanyl: https://www.smore.com/8gb7ps

Doxxing: https://www.smore.com/0x9nb

Tech Effect: https://www.smore.com/nvg73-sac-corner

Suicide: https://www.smore.com/p0fj5

Email: hpenna@haddonfield.k12.nj.us
Website: https://haddonfieldschools.org/
Location: A104 HMHS
Phone: 856-429-3960 . 1155