Our precious children are being targeted!

by Big Pot and Big Tobacco!

This statement alone should boil every parent's blood! Making fortunes off of our children's future is NOT acceptable. Vaping nicotine and THC in vape pens is an epidemic among school age kids in Anderson as well as the entire United States.

Imagine if there was a disease that was impacting over 20% of our children that starts as early as elementary school and goes way into their young adult lives destroying their health and projecting them on to a life of addiction, psychosis and suicide. Wouldn't the CDC and the NIH be all over it. Wouldn't we as parents protest and demand action? Well that's exactly what we have here and it continues to get worse!

Underage kids are buying these vapes everywhere but particularly vape shops that are close to schools often in walking distance and know it is illegal under 21!!

What will happen soon with the marijuana?

After the passage of recreational marijuana, the perception of harm to developing brains has become minimized. Many parents think it is no big deal and some even supply it to their kids. It is anything but harmless and we really are not equipped in Ohio for the fallout. We do not have enough health providers to work with every child who will become quickly addicted and result in psychosis, schizophrenia and in some cases suicide. The connection to violence is documented and impaired driving will skyrocket. One just needs to look at states where this started early like Colorado to see what happens.

If you think today's marijuana is harmless listen to this!

If you think your child is too busy to vape, too involved in sports or would never do something like that!

THINK AGAIN!!

The risk taking part of their brain isn't fully developed so your question "What were you thinking!" has no logical answer.

What does vaping THC do to a developing brain and why is it so addictive to our kids. (see video below)

Teaching our kids how to say NO without being aggressive or feeling humiliated is something parents can continually rehearse with their children. Then when the situation arises they will be confident and unafraid.

Go to Everybrainmatters.org for more information!

How Can I help My Teen?

Talk to Your Teen-They listen!!

https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

Research suggests that one of the most influential factors when a teen is growing up is a strong, open relationship with a parent or caregiver.

Use these tips to talk with your teen:

• Check in frequently to see how they are doing;
• Choose informal times to talk, such as in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV;
• Be clear and consistent about your expectations regarding vaping and other substance use;
• Establish family agreements together for social and extracurricular activities;
• Let them know you care and are always there for them; and
• Continue talking with your teens as they get older.
• Help your teen create an “exit plan” in case he or she is offered an e-cigarette or faced with a difficult decision about vaping(such as texting a code word to a family member). Peer pressure can be powerful, so coming up with realistic action steps
• and practicing them together in a safe environment will prepare and empower your teen to make good choices when it matters.

For cessation facts and help go to our website under resources: www.stepupanderson.org

Will you join our effort!

You are receiving this valuable newsletter to keep you informed about the drug prevention efforts of Step Up Anderson Township and the many harms that exist for our children and families. Step Up is focused on the prevention of substance misuse by providing education and information primarily to parents and caregivers to initiate critical conversations with their teens. We are a coalition of community members and parents dedicated to a safe, healthy and drug free community. Please take a few minutes to read and educate yourselves in an effort to keep our children safe!

Please share this newsletter with family and friends!! Visit our website at www.stepupanderson.org for valuable information on understanding, educating and helping our children!