It's that time of year again! |
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The Coalition for Healthy & Safe communities is wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and happy school year!
As a new school year begins, we’ve gathered some of our favorite resources to help our community start strong. Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or another important influence in a young person’s life, these tools are here to support you in guiding youth toward healthy, positive choices- especially when it comes to substance use.
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Why should we talk about substance use? |
| Talking to youth about substance use is crucial because it helps them understand the risks and consequences before they are faced with peer pressure or tough choices. Open, honest conversations build trust and empower young people to make informed, healthy decisions. When parents and teachers actively engage in these discussions, they reinforce positive values, provide guidance, and create a safe space for questions - ultimately reducing the likelihood of risky behaviors and supporting the overall well-being of the child. | | |
Talking to your kids about substance use is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe. Research shows that kids who learn about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are significantly less likely to use them. Even if it doesn't always feel like it, your voice matters most- your guidance, expectations, and support play a powerful role in shaping their choices and helping them make healthy decisions.
Below, you'll find our favorite resources to help you connect with your kids and talk to them in an engaging way.
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Connect. Guide. Empower.
It’s normal for teens to have questions about substances. Connect. Guide. Empower. offers tips, facts, and resources to help you start open conversations and support safe choices.
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How To Talk To Teens About Tough Topics - Without The Eye Rolls
Motivational Interviewing helps teens explore their own reasons for change by fostering open, nonjudgmental conversations that build trust and support positive choices.
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52 Out-of-the Box Family Bonding Activities
This article highlights the value of intentional family fun with 52 activities to strengthen bonds, foster connection, and support kids through life’s challenges.
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Social Media and Youth Mental Health - For Parents
This collection of resources helps families build healthy media habits by offering tips, tools, and guidance for balanced, mindful screen use.
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Talking to students about substance use is crucial because it helps raise awareness about the risks and consequences before problems arise. Open conversations create a safe space where students feel supported and informed, empowering them to make healthier choices. As trusted adults, teachers play a key role in guiding students toward positive behaviors and fostering a healthy, responsible community. and helping them make healthy decisions.
Take a look at our favorite resources full of tips and ideas on creating a safe and informative space in your classroom.
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Marijuana Legalization & School Policy Toolkit
This toolkit provides educators and school administrators with guidance and resources to navigate marijuana legalization while maintaining safe, healthy, and compliant school environments.
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9 Self-Confidence Building Activities for Students
Building self-confidence through simple activities helps youth develop resilience and self-awareness, making them more likely to make healthy choices and avoid substance use.
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Prevention Programs Offered Through CFPC
Sussex County educators may know the Center for Prevention & Counseling's programs like We’re Not Buying It, Footprints for Life, and Life Skills. Their newest offering, "Just Facts MJ," provides marijuana education for both youth and parents.
To schedule a program, contact Ashley Caine at ashley@centerforprevention.org.
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Social Media and Youth Mental Health - For Educators
This collection of resources helps classrooms build healthier digital habits by offering tips, tools, and guidance for balanced, mindful screen use.
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Coaches play a powerful role in the lives of young people, often serving as trusted mentors and role models. Through their guidance and support, coaches help build confidence, teach accountability, and encourage positive decision-making both on and off the field. By promoting teamwork, healthy habits, and goal-setting, coaches can influence youth to make choices that support their overall well-being and stay substance free. Their consistent encouragement and example can have a lasting impact that goes far beyond sports.
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Coaching Young Athletes: Tips and Tricks for Coaching, Teaching, and Parenting Young Athletes
Youth sports coaches shape lives by building confidence, teaching life skills, and serving as positive role models on and off the field.
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The TOP Toolkit
This toolkit raises awareness of opioid misuse among student athletes and offers evidence-based guidance to support policy and practice improvements in schools and athletic programs.
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Thank you for taking the time to read through our 2025 Back-to-School Toolkit. We appreciate your commitment to staying informed and supporting the well-being of our youth. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and successful school year ahead!
Are you attending our next coalition meeting? Our September meeting is being held via Zoom on Friday, September 12th at 9:00am.
Click here to register!
For more information, or to be added to the email list for future coalition meetings, email Kaitlyn Decker at kaitlyn@centerforprevention.org
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