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Do YOU want to be part of the solution? Maybe you already are? Either way, this site has the information you need to understand local alcohol and drug use. What you learn might surprise you. But you’ll also find information about having a conversation with your kids so they can learn early on what the real dangers of drugs and alcohol are.
You probably found this site while reading one of the articles we recently published in the Bernardsville News. If not, don’t worry! You can read each of those articles right here once they’ve been published. So bookmark this page and check back each week!
You probably want to TAKE THE QUIZ for your chance to receive an iTunes gift card, but there’s so much more information here!
Two surveys were conducted among students at Ridge High and William Annin Middle School in 2005 and 2007. You will find highlights as well as the complete surveys available for download on the LEARN MORE page. And, of course, you will find more about how to reach the Alliance on the CONTACT US page.
Originally published in the Bernardsville News: Last in a Series
The Bottom Line: If You Think “Not My Kid” You Could Be Wrong
Participation in extracurricular activities is often associated with positive youth development. Although this is true, many parents make the mistake of assuming that since their children have discipline, passion, and full schedules, they will stay out of trouble. The truth is involvement in sports, music, clubs, or other organizations, does not make young people immune to the pressure of alcohol and other drug use.
For example, let’s take a look at high school teams. These tight knit groups work hard and play hard together. Just because their time is occupied with after school practice or competitions doesn’t mean some of them haven’t found time or the desire to engage in drinking or other drug use.
When the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance conducted the Student Stressors Survey, one question addressed all extracurricular activities.
Here’s what we found out1:
25 percent of students surveyed who participate in clubs or organizations at school 11 or more hours per week also indicated using alcohol without permission 6 or more times in a year.
36 percent of students surveyed who participate in clubs or organizations outside of school 11 or more hours per week also indicated using alcohol without permission 6 or more times in a year.
Notice that these statistics show alcohol use without parental permission. Unfortunately, some parents today actually condone underage drinking! These parents may use the excuse that drinking alcohol is a rite of passage or inevitable. They may say they are “responsible” in condoning alcohol use because they take everyone’s car keys and prohibit drinking and driving. Not only are these parents sending mixed messages to their children and other teens, they are facilitating a crime. Drinking under the age of 21 is ILLEGAL! Providing alcohol to a minor (other than your own child) is also ILLEGAL!
Ultimately, underage drinking puts the safety of our children at risk. Don’t make the mistake of contributing to this public health problem. Choose to be part of the SolYOUtion! Prohibit all drug use-including alcohol. Educate yourself and your child about the risks associated with underage substance use. And model responsible adult drinking.
For more information, go to our website, www.bernardsalliance.org/solution. While you are there, please take a few minutes to fill out our online quiz and find out how much you know about this issue. In appreciation for participating, your name will be entered to receive one of six $25 iTunes gift cards.*
1 The Stressors and Assets Survey was conducted in 2005. Students surveyed include William Annin 6th and 8th graders and Ridge High 10th and 12th graders.
Originally published in the Bernardsville News: Third in a Series
Talking With Your Kids is a Big Part of the Solution
Parents have the most influence on the decisions their children make, especially when it comes to drug use. Studies show that young people are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs when their parents talk with them about the risks involved and set their own family rules about not using. Having a conversation about drugs may not be easy or comfortable for you or your children, but it is necessary and can ultimately save lives.
Begin talking with your kids about drugs at an early age and speak with them often. Children are tempted to use drugs at younger ages than you may think. They need to know where you stand on this issue. These tips may help you start the conversation.
Begin with the facts, not Judgements. If you accuse or judge your child, he or she will not want to engage in the conversation. If you start with information on drugs, your child has the opportunity to respond to the facts.
Communicate with compassion and be positive. Say “I love you and I want what is best for you, so I hope you don’t try drugs.” Or try, “I want to be supportive of you and help you avoid choices that may hurt you.”
Learn to Listen. Make time for your child when they want to talk. When you are with your child give nonverbal support by nodding or rephrasing your child’s comments to let them know you understood what he or she said.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming your children know where you stand on drug use. Set clear rules about drug use and discuss in advance the consequences of breaking them. State very clearly that you don’t want them using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, or inhalants. Establishing a “no drugs” rule will help your children to overcome pressure to use. It’s never too late to talk with your kids. You are the best and largest influence on your child’s behavior. Start using your influence today!
If you would like to learn more about substance use among our youth, go to www.bernardsalliance.org/solution. For more tips on how to talk with your child visit the Learn More page. Please take a few minutes to fill out our online quiz and find out how much you know about this issue. In appreciation for participating, your name will be entered to receive one of six $25 iTunes gift cards.*
Originally published in the Bernardsville News: Second in a Series
Finding the Solution While Your Kids Are Young Is Key
Alcohol is the drug of choice for young people. In fact, five percent of 11 and 12 year-olds and 14 percent of children ages 13 and 14 in William Annin Middle School report drinking alcohol in the past month. Ridge High School seniors report using alcohol for the first time at age 14.
That’s starting in eighth grade! Teens simply don’t understand the consequences of starting so young. What’s worse though is parents rarely understand the consequences either. Nor do many parents realize that they play a vital role in shaping how their children perceive drugs and alcohol.
The earlier people have their first drink, the more likely they are to have problems later in life with drugs and alcohol. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20. The key to preventing this behavior is to start talking with your kids early. Explain the dangers of alcohol to them while they are young. By the time they are in middle school it may be too late to talk to them.
In elementary school, most children consider drugs and alcohol as inherently “bad” but once they reach middle school their attitudes shift dramatically. The presence of older children can be very influential and peer pressure begins to play a role.
Many teens don’t realize the effects that alcohol has on the body. An often heard argument is “why can’t teens drink if adults can?” The answer is simple, teen brains and bodies are still developing. Using alcohol during these important developmental years can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism.
Alcohol is a downer. It reduces brain activity and affects your self-control. It depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions and impairs your judgment. These are very common facts, but your kids probably don’t know this. Parents are the most effective means of prevention education. Talk to your kids when they ask questions, no matter how young, and be ready to answer honestly.
Discover some helpful talking points for starting the conversation with your kids. Visit www.bernardsalliance.org/solution. While you’re there, find out how much you know about this issue. Complete the short quiz and you could receive a $25 iTunes gift card!*
Originally published in the Bernardsville News: First in a Series
MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE CAMPAIGN MAKES YOU PART OF THE “SOLUTION”
A 2007 survey of high school students indicated that 69 percent of seniors drank alcohol within the past 30 days. Half of seniors say they even got drunk. Another 33 percent say they smoked marijuana.
These are pretty big numbers. But we see these numbers all the time. We see them so much it’s become easy to say to ourselves, “I’m glad that’s not my kid.” But that’s not the case this time.
This could be your kid. These numbers don’t come from a national survey, they are statistics from Ridge High School and William Annin Middle School. What’s more, they’re worse than the national numbers. Have a look:
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•Nationally, 44.4 percent of twelfth graders drank alcohol in the past month.
At Ridge High School, that number was 69 percent. -
•Nationally, 28.7 percent of twelfth graders had engaged in binge drinking and reported being drunk in the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, 50 percent of Ridge High School seniors reported being drunk. -
•Nationally, 18.8 percent of twelfth graders used marijuana in the past month.
At Ridge High School, 33 percent of seniors reported marijuana use in the past month.
This information comes from an American Drug and Alcohol Survey conducted among Bernards Township school district students in grades six, eight, ten and twelve. 78 percent of students participated.
Over the next few weeks, the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse will present important survey findings and provide real facts about drinking and drug use among local students. You might find it hard to say “it’s not my kid” after you see what the statistics show.
But don’t worry, you’ll also discover helpful tips on what you as a parent can do and how to talk to your kids.
If you would like to learn more about substance use among our youth, go to www.bernardsalliance.org/solution. Please take a few minutes to fill out our online quiz and find out how much you know about this issue. In appreciation for participating, your name will be entered to receive one of six $25 iTunes gift cards.
* You must be a Bernards Township resident to win.
