March 24, 2021: Resources for Parents & Others Guiding Youth

March 22 – 28th is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.  It is an annual, week-long, health observance that brings teens and experts together to discuss the scientific facts about drugs, as well as their potential health effects on teen bodies and brains. Officer Travis Gutzmer, School Resource Officer at WHS recorded the following video regarding vape trends among youth:

What could be “hidden in plain sight” in your teen’s bedroom or vehicle? The Watertown Healthy Youth Coalition encourage parents to explore an interactive resource from Rhode Island Regional Coalitions. Hidden in Plain Sight is a unique opportunity to look into a teen's mock bedroom virtually. The room is full of common household items that could be used to hide or disguise drug, alcohol, tobacco use or other "risky" behaviors. 

When you go to the web-page, simply click on the picture of the bedroom to enter the tool. Move your mouse around the room to "find" the items hidden in the room.

Please take the time to talk to your teen about the items you see - use this as a way to launch a conversation about substance use among their friends or classmates. Now keep in mind, the room is full of common items that may be in your teen’s room.  However, that does not necessarily indicate your teen has an issue with risky behaviors.  This demonstration is purely to bring awareness of what is out there and to give parents and adults an opportunity to encourage meaningful conversations with their child. 

As parents, you are the number one tool against substance use!    We encourage you to talk about boundaries and expectations.   It’s important to trust our kids, but we also need to verify– our ultimate goal is keeping our kids safe!

Enter Hidden in Plain Sight’s Virtual Teen Bedroom

More Resources:

• Local resources and help: Watertown’s Family Resource Directory
• Get information to help you talk with your teens about drugs and their effects: NIDA
• Visual dictionary of vape products: CDC document
• Learn how to keep teens safe from alcohol and other drugs: Power to the Parent 

_{This educational page is made possible by a partnership between Human Service Agency, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, and the City of Watertown. Special thanks to members of the Watertown Healthy Youth Coalition, Tobacco-Free Community Coalition, and Glacial Lakes SAFE (Suicide Awareness of Everyone) Coalition for their guidance and informational support.}