Recent studies on drug prevention, there are many
factors that influence a child's risk factor for substance abuse. These
studies show that,
Drug prevention programs should involve parents, students, schools, and
the community, and they should begin early.
Parental involvement and the behavior of parents play a vital role in
keeping their kids drug free.
Warning signs of teenage
alcohol and drug abuse may include:
Physical
Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red
and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
Emotional
Personality change, sudden mood changes,
irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem,
poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of
interest.
Family
Starting arguments, breaking rules, or
withdrawing from the family.
School
Decreased interest, negative
attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and
discipline problems.
Social
problems
New friends who are less interested in
standard home and school activities, problems with the
law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress
and music
Drugs & Alcohol Club Drugs Home This site is a service from the
National Institute on Drug Abuse, and offers information on club
drugs, such as Ecstasy, Rohypnol, ketamine and more.
Parental Underground
Warning signs, lingo and street facts about heroin use in everyday
neighborhoods.
Parents.
The Anti-Drug. A fantastic site with drug information, advice on how to talk to
your children, news and columns and how to get involved.
Partnership for a Drug-free America Take the Drug-Free Pledge, visit the Ecstasy and Club Drugs
Information Center, check out the section on Help for Parents.
Play Clean Designed with coaches and athletes in mind, this site promotes
the prevention of drug use through sports. Order free posters and
other material.
Sara's Quest A Service of The National Institute on Drug Abuse, this web site
explores the brain's response to drugs.
Read the magazine series Mind Over Matter, that looks at the effects
of drugs such as Marijuana, Steroids, and others.
Suffolk County Drug
Mapping Index
Brought to you by the Suffolk County government, gives information
to the maps locations of heroin arrests, along with additional
information regarding the arrest.
Be an
Ad Buster
See samples of advertising tobacco companies are gearing towards
teens, and what is so wrong with them.
The Great
American Smokeout
Visit the American Cancer Society website. "Quitters will find
camaraderie and support on November 21 when thousands of Americans
avoid tobacco use for the day or for good."
How to Fight Teen Smoking
What programs work at prevention. "Nearly all first use of
tobacco occurs before high school graduation. So if adolescents
don't start smoking by age 18, odds are they never will."
Teen Tobacco Use
From the American Cancer Society; "learn about the unique effects of
nicotine on teenagers, how many currently smoke, and their interest
in quitting."
A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety Brought to you by the FBI, this site offers helpful
definitions, and information as to what are the signs
that your child might be at risk online.
CyberAngels
Provides online classes on many topics concerning
Internet issues. Available are tips for parents, a
Parental Agreement, and more.
GetNetWise.org
An Online Safety Guide that has age-related safety tips,
explains the types of risks online and privacy
information.
The PoliceNotebook
Tips and tools for parents on keeping their kids safe
online, notes, advice and warnings for parents and kids.
Also advice for adults on online shopping , email chain
letters and more.
Safe Kids
At this site, you'll "find tips, advice and suggestions
to make your family's online experience fun and
productive".
Safeteens.com
Subscribe to a free e-mail newsletter, how to protect
your privacy and staying safe online are some of the
topics at this site.
Disney Online Safety
From Disney Online, videos and tips to keep your family
safe online.
Internet Safety -
Get Involved...Stay Informed Tips for Parents - How to Protect Your Child on the Internet
The Internet has opened
up a whole new world for our children. Research,
homework help, museums, email, chatting, games, and more
are readily available at the touch of a button. But
there are certain things that our children need to be
protected from too. With some knowledge and
participation, you can help your child stay safe
online. Here are some tips of what you can do to keep
your children safe online.
Learn
about the Internet - Become more computer literate,
and know what services your Internet Provider offer.
Do they provide Parental Controls? Can your child
create "profiles"? Their own web page? If so,
monitor what they create. You may be surprised!
Discuss with your child about anonymity online.
Explain to them that a person is not always who they
represent themselves to be. That nice 10 year old
girl they've been talking to may truly be a 40 year
old man.
Never allow your child to give out personal
information such as their address, phone number,
birth date.
Do not allow your child to respond to messages that
make them uncomfortable. Obscene or threatening
messages should be forwarded to your Internet
Service Provider (AOL, Suffolk Web, Optimum Online).
Do not allow your child to arrange a meeting with
someone they have met online.
Consider "Blocking and Filtering" Software. These
programs will actually block certain types of
websites from being viewed on your computer. "Net
Nanny" and "Cyber Sitter" are two examples.
Help your child create their username. Avoid using
personal information such as first and last name,
birth date, and home town.
Sit down with your child and agree on your own home
policies. Agree on time limits, types of
websites your child may and may not visit, use of
Instant Messaging and chat rooms.
Keep your online computer in a family living space
to be able to monitor activities.
Traffic Safety Kids Page
From the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, this site covers
traffic safety as well as safety issues with bikes, skates, car
seats and seat belts.
KidzNPower.com
A video tape series you can purchase to teach children how to
resist child abduction and victimization
Missing & Exploited Children Clearinghouse - The AMBER Alert
Plan
From the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, this site
offers information about the NYS Amber Plan Activation
Guidelines, and Alert Activation Regions. You will also find
College Student Safety, Internet Safety, and information for
parents and caregivers.
Parents for
Megan's Law
Prevention tips, News and Information, and offender registry
information.
The Polly Klaas
Foundation
Preventing Internet abduction, family abduction, runaways,
and protecting kids from offenders are just a few of the topics
covered by this nonprofit foundation. Also information on how to
take proactive steps in times of crisis.
Kidshealth.org This site is divided into sections for parents, kids, and
teens on staying healthy, dealing with feelings, staying safe
and more. A great resource!
Powerful Bones. Powerful Girls. The National Bone Health
Campaign This website is sponsored by the three organizations that
want to help girls and bones came together - The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, The Department of Health and
Human Services, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Teens
Health This site, designed for teens, tackles issues as Body
Basics, Mind Matters, Food and Fitness, Staying Safe, and Health
Problems.
