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 Educate
Drug Tip: Gateway Drugs
Help your kids avoid the first step to drug use. Gateway drugs, also known as entry drugs, are regarded as substances that can eventually lead to use of harder drugs, such as methamphetamines and cocaine, as well as heroin and prescription drugs like OxyContin. Other entry drugs include tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.
Be the "out" for your children, and help them avoid peer pressure. Begin to randomly drug test your children. Doing so will provide them with an excuse not to participate in drug use.
Learn the signs of drug use by CLICKING HERE.
Bully Tip: Emotional & Mental Bullying
While bullying in elementary school involves more physical acts, bullying in junior high usually takes a different form. Mental and emotional bullying happens in the form of social alienation, which, although very subtle, can have long-lasting effects. Students may exclude one another from their regular circle of friends, with the victim eating lunch alone, not having a partner in gym class, or being excluded from parties and get-togethers outside of school.
Check in with your children often. Ask them about their daily struggles (i.e: peer pressure, school, friend troubles). Recognize and validate their pressures and stress.
Become familiar with the many different forms of bullying by CLICKING HERE.
Tech Tip: Online Predators
One of the most common threats to children are online predators. It's estimated there are more than 5 million predators actively online. They typically seek out their victims in chat rooms, where they can find out a child's name, where she lives and attends school, and what activities she likes in a matter of minutes. If your child is in a chat room designated for children under 18, there is a 50% chance that the person he or she is communicating with is a sexual predator logged in under a false identity.
Help your children understand that people can take on any identity when they're online, and use news stories as teachable moments. Also, familiarize yourself with settings that limit access and keep private accounts.
Establish family rules about online activity and download MASK's safe home pledge to use as a guideline. Stay informed and up-to-date on technology by CLICKING HERE.
Safety Tip: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Dehydration can be a serious thing, even when summer is over. It is important to make sure that your kids are getting enough water. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid (through sweating, urination, vomiting, etc.) than it takes in. The human body is composed of nearly 75% water, making hydration vital to health.
The most obvious sign is thirst. When you're thirsty, you've most likely already lost 2% of your fluid content. Keep in mind, however, that rehydrating should be done at a moderate pace. If you're dehydrated, drinking too much water at once can cause vomiting, which can worsen your condition. Fatigue can also be a sign that you're in need of fluids.
In addition to ensuring your children are receiving an adequate amount of fluids, CLICK HERE for simple, healthy meals and snacks on the go!
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