NPR, March 30, 2012
"The documentary Bully opens in theaters Thursday, and the heated controversy over the appropriate rating for the film has frustrated many schools hoping to use it as a teaching tool.
Administrators have struggled to find effective ways to help curb bullying in their schools in recent years, and a growing number of bullying prevention programs have emerged to meet the demand.
Many schools started by cracking down on bullies, then later focused on propping up victims, with the hope of helping to make them 'bully-proof.' Now, they have shifted their efforts to people who witness bullying." Read More
Friday, March 30, 2012
Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Scheduled
Litchfield County Times (Falls Village, CT) March 29, 2012
"The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and the Northwest Corner Prevention Network, in partnership with the State Police at Troop B, will host a Community Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, 246 Warren Tpke. Road, Falls Village.
The take-back day provides families and community members with a safe and confidential way to dispose of unused prescription medications.
'The Rx take-back is really important,' notes Nick Pohl, HYSB executive director. 'Look in any medicine cabinet in our area and you’re sure to find powerful prescriptions that, when taken as prescribed can be beneficial, but when taken off label problems can arise.'" Read More
"The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau and the Northwest Corner Prevention Network, in partnership with the State Police at Troop B, will host a Community Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, 246 Warren Tpke. Road, Falls Village.
The take-back day provides families and community members with a safe and confidential way to dispose of unused prescription medications.
'The Rx take-back is really important,' notes Nick Pohl, HYSB executive director. 'Look in any medicine cabinet in our area and you’re sure to find powerful prescriptions that, when taken as prescribed can be beneficial, but when taken off label problems can arise.'" Read More
'Bully,' the movie gets the discussion going
CT Post (Bridgeport, CT) March 29, 2012
"A documentary that follows several families affected by bullying is a launching pad for a larger social media initiative surrounding what has become a hot topic in schools around the country.
Directed by Lee Hirsch, 'Bully' includes scenes of a school administrator telling a parent a bus is safe and then cuts to a clip of a boy getting choked on the bus.
Lisa Evarts, whose teenage son Ells Evarts was bullied at a New Haven high school, said they definitely plan to go see the documentary." Read more
"A documentary that follows several families affected by bullying is a launching pad for a larger social media initiative surrounding what has become a hot topic in schools around the country.
Directed by Lee Hirsch, 'Bully' includes scenes of a school administrator telling a parent a bus is safe and then cuts to a clip of a boy getting choked on the bus.
Lisa Evarts, whose teenage son Ells Evarts was bullied at a New Haven high school, said they definitely plan to go see the documentary." Read more
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Close teen-parent bond helps steer life choices
The Washington Times, March 25, 2012
"Parents worry. I think it’s part of our job description!
Today’s culture also generates plenty of reasons to worry, especially over the daily temptations our teens face. A weekend drive by the local strip mall, skate park or movie theater suggests that teens have little difficulty obtaining cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. I suspect that most students in any public high school could tell you in two seconds flat which students sell drugs or where to get pot or alcohol for a weekend party.
Research data support the anecdotal evidence that parents have good cause to worry. A recent survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that teen marijuana use is up for the fourth straight year and the number of daily pot smokers has hit a 30-year peak." Read More
"Parents worry. I think it’s part of our job description!
Today’s culture also generates plenty of reasons to worry, especially over the daily temptations our teens face. A weekend drive by the local strip mall, skate park or movie theater suggests that teens have little difficulty obtaining cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. I suspect that most students in any public high school could tell you in two seconds flat which students sell drugs or where to get pot or alcohol for a weekend party.
Research data support the anecdotal evidence that parents have good cause to worry. A recent survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that teen marijuana use is up for the fourth straight year and the number of daily pot smokers has hit a 30-year peak." Read More
Around Our Towns: Lecture On Cyberbullying
Minuteman Press (Westport, CT) March 28, 2012
"St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services invites the community to attend the free community lecture titled 'Raising Your Children in an Internet Age: How Parents Can Navigate the World of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.' Presented by Jennifer R. Lee, MD, the lecture will take place on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Westport Woman’s Club. The event is generously supported by the Friends of Hall-Brooke and the Westport Woman’s Club.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, cyberbullying occurs when someone uses the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Currently, lawmakers in at least five states (including New York) are trying to enact or strengthen cyberbullying laws. In some states, laws have already been passed which make cyberbullying a criminal act.
In 2011, Connecticut was the eighth state in the nation to expand its bullying law to include cyberbullying." Read More
"St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services invites the community to attend the free community lecture titled 'Raising Your Children in an Internet Age: How Parents Can Navigate the World of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.' Presented by Jennifer R. Lee, MD, the lecture will take place on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Westport Woman’s Club. The event is generously supported by the Friends of Hall-Brooke and the Westport Woman’s Club.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, cyberbullying occurs when someone uses the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Currently, lawmakers in at least five states (including New York) are trying to enact or strengthen cyberbullying laws. In some states, laws have already been passed which make cyberbullying a criminal act.
In 2011, Connecticut was the eighth state in the nation to expand its bullying law to include cyberbullying." Read More
Bullying Victim Releases One-Year Update to Viral YouTube Video
Greenwich Patch (Greenwich, CT) March 29, 2012
"Alye Pollack, a student at Bedford Middle School, expressed her feelings on bullying in a YouTube video one year ago after hearing hateful words everyday in Westport schools: ugly, weird, freak, and far worse.
In Pollack's latest video, 'Words Do Hurt: 1 Year Later,' the 14-year-old high school freshman explains that the bullying in her life has stopped.
'My life has changed SOOOO much.. I have made so many friends,' Pollack writes in her video. 'It doesn't matter how many friends you have; only how good and supportive and accepting they are.'" Read More
"Alye Pollack, a student at Bedford Middle School, expressed her feelings on bullying in a YouTube video one year ago after hearing hateful words everyday in Westport schools: ugly, weird, freak, and far worse.
In Pollack's latest video, 'Words Do Hurt: 1 Year Later,' the 14-year-old high school freshman explains that the bullying in her life has stopped.
'My life has changed SOOOO much.. I have made so many friends,' Pollack writes in her video. 'It doesn't matter how many friends you have; only how good and supportive and accepting they are.'" Read More
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Doctors Perfectly Positioned to Help Prevent Drug and Alcohol Overdoses, Expert Says
Join Together Newsroom, March 27, 2012
"A recent study that found soaring hospitalization rates for combined drug and alcohol overdoses among young adults suggests doctors could play a pivotal role in educating the public about the dangers of combining these substances, says the study's author.
The study found hospitalization rates for combined alcohol and drug overdoses increased 76 percent among adults ages 18 to 24 from 1999 to 2008. During that same period, hospitalizations for alcohol overdoses alone increased 25 percent, and for drug overdoses, 55 percent. There was a 122 percent increase in hospitalizations for narcotic pain medication poisonings, and alcohol overdoses played a role in one in five such hospitalizations." Read More
"A recent study that found soaring hospitalization rates for combined drug and alcohol overdoses among young adults suggests doctors could play a pivotal role in educating the public about the dangers of combining these substances, says the study's author.
The study found hospitalization rates for combined alcohol and drug overdoses increased 76 percent among adults ages 18 to 24 from 1999 to 2008. During that same period, hospitalizations for alcohol overdoses alone increased 25 percent, and for drug overdoses, 55 percent. There was a 122 percent increase in hospitalizations for narcotic pain medication poisonings, and alcohol overdoses played a role in one in five such hospitalizations." Read More
Madonna's Daughter Caught Smoking: How Parents Talk To Teens About Their Own Pasts
Huffington Post, March 28, 2012
"In light of Madonna's behavior over the years, it might be tempting to point a judgmental finger her way whenever her children do, well, just about anything. Case in point: Photographers captured 15-year-old Lourdes, cigarette in hand last week, and the New York Post promptly speculated that she'd picked up the smoking habit from Mom.
It all seemed too easy: Madonna was puffing away in her new 'Girl Gone Wild' music video, and the teen obviously had caught a bad habit.
But the thing is irresponsible behavior isn't necessarily contagious. At some point, even if your wildest days were nothing like Madonna's, odds are your children will get into trouble. Whether it's smoking, drinking or something harder, you'll have to address the issue and any skeletons in your closet may make those conversations tricky." Read More
"In light of Madonna's behavior over the years, it might be tempting to point a judgmental finger her way whenever her children do, well, just about anything. Case in point: Photographers captured 15-year-old Lourdes, cigarette in hand last week, and the New York Post promptly speculated that she'd picked up the smoking habit from Mom.
It all seemed too easy: Madonna was puffing away in her new 'Girl Gone Wild' music video, and the teen obviously had caught a bad habit.
But the thing is irresponsible behavior isn't necessarily contagious. At some point, even if your wildest days were nothing like Madonna's, odds are your children will get into trouble. Whether it's smoking, drinking or something harder, you'll have to address the issue and any skeletons in your closet may make those conversations tricky." Read More
Newtown Police Hosting Drug Take Back Day
Newtown Patch (Newtown, CT) March 27, 2012
"If you have old prescription drugs that you want to safely dispose of then mark your calendar for Saturday, April 28.
On that day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Newtown Police and the Newtown Prevention Council will be hosting their annual drug take back day at police headquarters. Residents can also dispose of pills in a drop off box located in the foyer of the department, at 3 Main St." Read More
"If you have old prescription drugs that you want to safely dispose of then mark your calendar for Saturday, April 28.
On that day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Newtown Police and the Newtown Prevention Council will be hosting their annual drug take back day at police headquarters. Residents can also dispose of pills in a drop off box located in the foyer of the department, at 3 Main St." Read More
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Prison for parents who allow drinking?
The Ridgefield Press (Ridgefield, CT) March 26, 2012
"After another year darkened by teen deaths, Ridgefield officials want to toughen state laws so parents who allow underage drinking could face up to a year in prison and a $500 fine.
'We need to get to the parents, and there have to be some consequences,' First Selectman Rudy Marconi said, 'and right now there just aren’t any.'
Mr. Marconi, a Democrat, State Rep.John Frey, a Republican, and Police Chief John Roche are pushing the state legislature to toughen the penalties for adults who allow underage alcohol consumption in their homes — something that’s currently 'a $75 mail-in infraction,' Mr. Frey said." Read More
"After another year darkened by teen deaths, Ridgefield officials want to toughen state laws so parents who allow underage drinking could face up to a year in prison and a $500 fine.
'We need to get to the parents, and there have to be some consequences,' First Selectman Rudy Marconi said, 'and right now there just aren’t any.'
Mr. Marconi, a Democrat, State Rep.John Frey, a Republican, and Police Chief John Roche are pushing the state legislature to toughen the penalties for adults who allow underage alcohol consumption in their homes — something that’s currently 'a $75 mail-in infraction,' Mr. Frey said." Read More
What Parents Can Do When Bullying is Downplayed at School
The Huffington Post, March 26, 2012
"Your child is being bullied at school. He or she has mustered the courage to tell you about it -- no small feat, considering how humiliating it can be for kids to tell their parents about maltreatment by their peers -- and together, you have tried everything you can think of to manage the problem on your own. Your child has practiced ignoring the bully, avoiding his tormentors, standing up to mean kids in assertive ways, tried to enlist his teacher's support and used humor to deflect the bully's taunting. He has shut down his Facebook page and stopped texting entirely, hoping that taking himself out of the technology loop might give him some respite from the cruelty. Yet, the bullying persists ...and is getting worse." Read More
"Your child is being bullied at school. He or she has mustered the courage to tell you about it -- no small feat, considering how humiliating it can be for kids to tell their parents about maltreatment by their peers -- and together, you have tried everything you can think of to manage the problem on your own. Your child has practiced ignoring the bully, avoiding his tormentors, standing up to mean kids in assertive ways, tried to enlist his teacher's support and used humor to deflect the bully's taunting. He has shut down his Facebook page and stopped texting entirely, hoping that taking himself out of the technology loop might give him some respite from the cruelty. Yet, the bullying persists ...and is getting worse." Read More
BULLY To Be Released Unrated On March 30
Market Wire (New York, NY) March 26, 2012
"After a recent plea to the MPAA by BULLY teen Alex Libby and The Weinstein Company (TWC) Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein failed - by one vote - to get the film its deserved PG-13 rating, TWC is choosing to move forward with releasing the film unrated by the MPAA on March 30.
Furthering proof that the R rating for some language is inappropriate for a film that's meant to educate and help parents, teachers, school officials and children with what's become an epidemic in schools around the country, the fight against the rating continues on. The outpour of support by politicians, schools, parents, celebrities and activists for the film's mission to be seen by those it was made for - children - has been overwhelming. Nearly half a million people have signed Michigan high school student and former bullying victim Katy Butler's petition on Change.org to urge the MPAA to lower the rating." Read More
"After a recent plea to the MPAA by BULLY teen Alex Libby and The Weinstein Company (TWC) Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein failed - by one vote - to get the film its deserved PG-13 rating, TWC is choosing to move forward with releasing the film unrated by the MPAA on March 30.
Furthering proof that the R rating for some language is inappropriate for a film that's meant to educate and help parents, teachers, school officials and children with what's become an epidemic in schools around the country, the fight against the rating continues on. The outpour of support by politicians, schools, parents, celebrities and activists for the film's mission to be seen by those it was made for - children - has been overwhelming. Nearly half a million people have signed Michigan high school student and former bullying victim Katy Butler's petition on Change.org to urge the MPAA to lower the rating." Read More
Friday, March 23, 2012
Empathetic Middle School Teachers Lower Teen Alcohol Risk
Psych Central, March 22, 2012
"A new study suggests emotional support from middle school teachers may often delay alcohol and other illicit substance use by teens.
Researchers determined anxiety, depression, stress and social support are predictors of early alcohol and illicit drug use in youth.
Middle school students from the sixth to the eighth grade who felt more emotional support from teachers reported a delay in alcohol and other illicit substance initiation.
Surprisingly, teens who reported higher levels of separation anxiety from their parents were also at decreased risk for early alcohol use." Read More
"A new study suggests emotional support from middle school teachers may often delay alcohol and other illicit substance use by teens.
Researchers determined anxiety, depression, stress and social support are predictors of early alcohol and illicit drug use in youth.
Middle school students from the sixth to the eighth grade who felt more emotional support from teachers reported a delay in alcohol and other illicit substance initiation.
Surprisingly, teens who reported higher levels of separation anxiety from their parents were also at decreased risk for early alcohol use." Read More
Education.com Reveals One Third of Parents Uncertain How to Handle Bullying
PR Newswire (Redwood City, CA) March 22, 2012
"While research indicates that one in three school-aged children will be bullied this year, many parents are still uncertain how to respond when the topic hits home. In response, Education.com, the leading resource for parents of school-aged children seeking support on issues related to childhood education, today launched its Special Edition on Bullying.
Education.com has teamed with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) at its annual conference to explore these and other bullying issues at a special Town Hall gathering on Thursday, March 22, which will feature a panel of experts, parents and a principal. The Special Edition on Bullying will serve as a resource for this discussion, and it offers a collection of free action-oriented tools and resources that help parents prevent and manage bullying situations in their children's lives." Read More
"While research indicates that one in three school-aged children will be bullied this year, many parents are still uncertain how to respond when the topic hits home. In response, Education.com, the leading resource for parents of school-aged children seeking support on issues related to childhood education, today launched its Special Edition on Bullying.
Education.com has teamed with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) at its annual conference to explore these and other bullying issues at a special Town Hall gathering on Thursday, March 22, which will feature a panel of experts, parents and a principal. The Special Edition on Bullying will serve as a resource for this discussion, and it offers a collection of free action-oriented tools and resources that help parents prevent and manage bullying situations in their children's lives." Read More
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Teen Awareness Group Meets Wednesdays
Clinton Patch (Clinton, CT) March 21, 2012
"The Teen Awareness Group, a support group for 14- to 18-year-olds, meets weekly on Wednesdays in Centerbrook.
According to a TAG press release, the meetings provide teens with an 'open and supportive environment' to discuss their issues.
Meetings are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Centerbrook Meeting House and there is no prior registration needed to attend these free sessions.
According to the event flyer, topics include drug and alcohol use and abuse, peer pressure, relationships, family issues and more." Read More
"The Teen Awareness Group, a support group for 14- to 18-year-olds, meets weekly on Wednesdays in Centerbrook.
According to a TAG press release, the meetings provide teens with an 'open and supportive environment' to discuss their issues.
Meetings are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Centerbrook Meeting House and there is no prior registration needed to attend these free sessions.
According to the event flyer, topics include drug and alcohol use and abuse, peer pressure, relationships, family issues and more." Read More
Grandparents Unknowingly Supply Drugs to Children; Prescription Drug Drop-Offs Taking Place
Woodbury Patch (Woodbury, CT) March 22, 2012
"Imagine that your children's grandparents are providing them with an endless supply of addictive narcotics that will lead them directly to heroin addiction.
In too many cases, according to experts and local police departments, this is happening in a home near you.
At a seminar for the misuse of prescription drugs, Allison Fulton, executive director for the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse, said that in this area, most young people cannot really afford to buy expensive pills, but can readily get the drugs from family members." Read More
"Imagine that your children's grandparents are providing them with an endless supply of addictive narcotics that will lead them directly to heroin addiction.
In too many cases, according to experts and local police departments, this is happening in a home near you.
At a seminar for the misuse of prescription drugs, Allison Fulton, executive director for the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse, said that in this area, most young people cannot really afford to buy expensive pills, but can readily get the drugs from family members." Read More
United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership Improves Educational Success Rate for High-Risk Elementary and Middle School Youth
Market Watch (Washington D.C.) March 22, 2012
"United Way Worldwide and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have created a partnership to expand evidence-based, one-to-one mentoring programs for elementary and middle school youth in America's highest-risk schools and neighborhoods.
The new partnership, which builds on years of work together at the national and local level, focuses on three areas: targeting elementary and middle schools that feed into America's lowest-performing high schools, using data to drive results and accountability, and mobilizing communities to give time, talent or money to support students' educational success." Read More
"United Way Worldwide and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have created a partnership to expand evidence-based, one-to-one mentoring programs for elementary and middle school youth in America's highest-risk schools and neighborhoods.
The new partnership, which builds on years of work together at the national and local level, focuses on three areas: targeting elementary and middle schools that feed into America's lowest-performing high schools, using data to drive results and accountability, and mobilizing communities to give time, talent or money to support students' educational success." Read More
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Karate can provide lessons in confidence for bully victims
Connecticut Post (Trumbull, CT) March 19, 2012
"She can throw a good punch, and whack her opponent in the thigh with a dexterous lift of the leg. In a practice spar at the Hanku Ryu Martial Arts studio in Trumbull, 8-year-old Meghan Storry excels.
Out of the studio, Meghan Storry is a tall, slim 8-year-old girl who is fearful of a student at school who bullied her.
'I'll still be a tiny bit afraid if I see him again,' she said.
A 'tiny bit' is a big improvement from a year ago, when she was so afraid she would run out of the classroom as soon as the day was over to the gymnasium where her mother would be waiting to pick her up. Sometimes back then, she'd refuse to go to school." Read More
"She can throw a good punch, and whack her opponent in the thigh with a dexterous lift of the leg. In a practice spar at the Hanku Ryu Martial Arts studio in Trumbull, 8-year-old Meghan Storry excels.
Out of the studio, Meghan Storry is a tall, slim 8-year-old girl who is fearful of a student at school who bullied her.
'I'll still be a tiny bit afraid if I see him again,' she said.
A 'tiny bit' is a big improvement from a year ago, when she was so afraid she would run out of the classroom as soon as the day was over to the gymnasium where her mother would be waiting to pick her up. Sometimes back then, she'd refuse to go to school." Read More
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition: Stop Encouraging Kids to Huff Helium
Partnership at Drugfree.org Newsroom, March 16, 2012
"Huffing helium is not safe, and adults must stop encouraging children to do it, according to the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC), a group that promotes awareness and recognition of inhalant use.
'Unknowing adults demonstrate and often provide helium to kids at parties, or science teachers use it in classes to demonstrate the effects of a gas on vocal cords,' Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of NIPC, said in a news release. 'For years I have heard ‘everybody does it,’ and sure enough parents do it as well as Scout leaders, science teachers and even youth pastors. This normalizing of huffing needs to stop and all of us can play a role in that. We must be advocates for children.'" Read More
"Huffing helium is not safe, and adults must stop encouraging children to do it, according to the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC), a group that promotes awareness and recognition of inhalant use.
'Unknowing adults demonstrate and often provide helium to kids at parties, or science teachers use it in classes to demonstrate the effects of a gas on vocal cords,' Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of NIPC, said in a news release. 'For years I have heard ‘everybody does it,’ and sure enough parents do it as well as Scout leaders, science teachers and even youth pastors. This normalizing of huffing needs to stop and all of us can play a role in that. We must be advocates for children.'" Read More
Youth council survey: Underage drinking shows decline
Wilton Bulletin (Wilton, CT) March 17, 2012
"Preliminary information from a survey of students in Wilton indicates a decline in the number of teens partaking in underage drinking. However, there is still a substantial number who do.
The survey, undertaken by the Wilton Task Force to Reduce Underage Drinking, found 55.2% of Wilton High School seniors reported recent alcohol use in 2011, compared to 71.2% in 2007. Recent was defined as within the past 30 days.
In addition, 16% of seniors reported recent marijuana use in 2011, compared to 36.3% in 2007." Read More
"Preliminary information from a survey of students in Wilton indicates a decline in the number of teens partaking in underage drinking. However, there is still a substantial number who do.
The survey, undertaken by the Wilton Task Force to Reduce Underage Drinking, found 55.2% of Wilton High School seniors reported recent alcohol use in 2011, compared to 71.2% in 2007. Recent was defined as within the past 30 days.
In addition, 16% of seniors reported recent marijuana use in 2011, compared to 36.3% in 2007." Read More
Synthetic marijuana sending more teens to hospital, study finds
CBS News, March 19, 2012
"Synthetic marijuana is sending more kids and teens to the emergency room than ever before, according to the authors of a new study. Making matters even worse, emergency room doctors might not recognize the symptoms from these relatively new drugs, and may not realize some of these teens need immediate medical attention.
Synthetic marijuana is a mix of plants and chemicals that's sometimes sold as 'potpourri' under the brand names K2, Spice and Blaze. According to the study, published in the March 19 issue of Pediatrics, The American Association of Poison Control Centers received 4,500 calls involving problems from synthetic marijuana between 2010 to 2011." Read More
"Synthetic marijuana is sending more kids and teens to the emergency room than ever before, according to the authors of a new study. Making matters even worse, emergency room doctors might not recognize the symptoms from these relatively new drugs, and may not realize some of these teens need immediate medical attention.
Synthetic marijuana is a mix of plants and chemicals that's sometimes sold as 'potpourri' under the brand names K2, Spice and Blaze. According to the study, published in the March 19 issue of Pediatrics, The American Association of Poison Control Centers received 4,500 calls involving problems from synthetic marijuana between 2010 to 2011." Read More
Thursday, March 15, 2012
With Foundation in Place, STEPS Focus Turns to Unity and Communication (Video)
Southington Patch (Southington, CT) March 8, 2012
"The message left with those who attended the STEPS Community Forum was clear Wednesday night: a foundation has been built on unity and community involvement, but there is still a lot of work to be done and the next step is to expand on that foundation.
With nearly 400 in attendance at the Aqua Turf Club Wednesday evening, the Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success, or STEPS program, unveiled the statistics from a November 2011 survey. The results showed progress in efforts to provide Southington youth with a caring environment in school at home and in the community, but some statistics remain disturbingly high said Youth Services Director Susan Saucier." Read More
"The message left with those who attended the STEPS Community Forum was clear Wednesday night: a foundation has been built on unity and community involvement, but there is still a lot of work to be done and the next step is to expand on that foundation.
With nearly 400 in attendance at the Aqua Turf Club Wednesday evening, the Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success, or STEPS program, unveiled the statistics from a November 2011 survey. The results showed progress in efforts to provide Southington youth with a caring environment in school at home and in the community, but some statistics remain disturbingly high said Youth Services Director Susan Saucier." Read More
Fake IDs Found in Wilton May Indicate Underage Drinking
Wilton Patch (Wilton, CT) March 14, 2012
"On March 7, the Wilton Police Department (WPD) obtained an apparently lost wallet found on Rte. 7. Inside it were three Connecticut driver’s licenses; two were forged to make the youthful offender, whose real license was also in the wallet, appear older than 21, according to police reports.
The incident comes on the heels of a hotly-debated artcle involving an underage drinking party broken up by the WPD at a Wilton residence in mid Februrary. The article struck a nerve with Wiltonians and generated 150 comments from Wilton Patch readers. The WPD sent out a press release delineating Conn. laws for underage drinking shortly after the article's publication." Read More
"On March 7, the Wilton Police Department (WPD) obtained an apparently lost wallet found on Rte. 7. Inside it were three Connecticut driver’s licenses; two were forged to make the youthful offender, whose real license was also in the wallet, appear older than 21, according to police reports.
The incident comes on the heels of a hotly-debated artcle involving an underage drinking party broken up by the WPD at a Wilton residence in mid Februrary. The article struck a nerve with Wiltonians and generated 150 comments from Wilton Patch readers. The WPD sent out a press release delineating Conn. laws for underage drinking shortly after the article's publication." Read More
Guest Commentary: Underage drinking laws as they stand
Wilton Bulletin (Wilton, CT) March 15, 2012
"With recent events published regarding underage drinking and warmer weather just around the corner, it is timely to address the laws as they presently stand in Connecticut regarding underage drinking. What I hope to accomplish is to educate the community on what the police can and cannot do regarding this topic pursuant to law.
In Connecticut, possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 in a public or private place is prohibited by law unless a minor child is accompanied by parent or legal guardian who has given the permission to such minor child. If any person, regardless of age, provides alcohol to a minor who is not their child they can be charged with the crime of Providing Alcohol to A Minor." Read More
"With recent events published regarding underage drinking and warmer weather just around the corner, it is timely to address the laws as they presently stand in Connecticut regarding underage drinking. What I hope to accomplish is to educate the community on what the police can and cannot do regarding this topic pursuant to law.
In Connecticut, possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 in a public or private place is prohibited by law unless a minor child is accompanied by parent or legal guardian who has given the permission to such minor child. If any person, regardless of age, provides alcohol to a minor who is not their child they can be charged with the crime of Providing Alcohol to A Minor." Read More
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tweens Just Say 'Maybe' to Cigarettes and Alcohol
Science Daily, March 12, 2012
"When it comes to prevention of substance use in our tween population, turning our kids on to thought control may just be the answer to getting them to say no.
New research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, co-led by professors Roisin O'Connor of Concordia University and Craig Colder of State University of New York at Buffalo, has found that around the tween-age years kids are decidedly ambivalent toward cigarettes and alcohol. It seems that the youngsters have both positive and negative associations with these harmful substances and have yet to decide one way or the other. Because they are especially susceptible to social influences, media portrayals of drug use and peer pressure become strong alies of substance use around these formative years." Read More
"When it comes to prevention of substance use in our tween population, turning our kids on to thought control may just be the answer to getting them to say no.
New research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, co-led by professors Roisin O'Connor of Concordia University and Craig Colder of State University of New York at Buffalo, has found that around the tween-age years kids are decidedly ambivalent toward cigarettes and alcohol. It seems that the youngsters have both positive and negative associations with these harmful substances and have yet to decide one way or the other. Because they are especially susceptible to social influences, media portrayals of drug use and peer pressure become strong alies of substance use around these formative years." Read More
Tuning in to TV: Obama message to open bullying-prevention film
The Washington Times, March 12, 2012
"President Obama will deliver an opening message before the debut of 'Speak Up,' a Cartoon Network documentary about bullied youth across America and those who have helped them.
The half-hour film, part of the network’s 'Stop Bullying: Speak Up' initiative, will air at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, with an encore at 8 p.m., the Associated Press reports.
The documentary features appearances by star athletes Venus Williams, Chris Webber, Lisa Leslie, soccer player Hope Solo, BMX bike rider Matt Wilhelm and NASCAR drivers Trevor Bayne, Jeff Burton and Joey Logano." Read More
"President Obama will deliver an opening message before the debut of 'Speak Up,' a Cartoon Network documentary about bullied youth across America and those who have helped them.
The half-hour film, part of the network’s 'Stop Bullying: Speak Up' initiative, will air at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, with an encore at 8 p.m., the Associated Press reports.
The documentary features appearances by star athletes Venus Williams, Chris Webber, Lisa Leslie, soccer player Hope Solo, BMX bike rider Matt Wilhelm and NASCAR drivers Trevor Bayne, Jeff Burton and Joey Logano." Read More
The Partnership at Drugfree.org Launches New Parent Resource to Help Prevent Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Abuse
PR Newswire (New York, NY) March 13, 2012
"The Partnership at Drugfree.org, in collaboration with Philadelphia-based Treatment Research Institute (TRI), has released a new tool to help parents and caregivers prevent adolescent drug and alcohol problems.
The 'Six Components of Effective Parenting,' based in scientific research, is the product of a new Parents Translational Research Center - a collaborative effort of The Partnership at Drugfree.org and TRI. The resource is comprised of 'how-to' parenting tips organized around six principles specifically designed for parents, guardians and other caregivers who need to play an active role in helping prevent substance abuse in their families. Research consistently shows that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get that critical message at home." Read More
"The Partnership at Drugfree.org, in collaboration with Philadelphia-based Treatment Research Institute (TRI), has released a new tool to help parents and caregivers prevent adolescent drug and alcohol problems.
The 'Six Components of Effective Parenting,' based in scientific research, is the product of a new Parents Translational Research Center - a collaborative effort of The Partnership at Drugfree.org and TRI. The resource is comprised of 'how-to' parenting tips organized around six principles specifically designed for parents, guardians and other caregivers who need to play an active role in helping prevent substance abuse in their families. Research consistently shows that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get that critical message at home." Read More
Monday, March 12, 2012
'Bullying Not Limited to School Yard'
Stratford Patch (Stratford, CT) March 10, 2012
"State Sen. Kevin Kelly and State Reps Larry Miller (R-122), Brenda Kupchick (R-132) and Tony Hwang (R-134) attended the "Bullying Ends Here" public policy breakfast hosted by the Center for Women and Families at the Trumbull Public Library on Tuesday, March 6.
'Last year's bill is recognition that bullying is not limited to the school yard, and with social media such as Facebook, Twitter and texting, bullying is an even greater source of stress and anxiety for our children,' Kelly said." Read More
"State Sen. Kevin Kelly and State Reps Larry Miller (R-122), Brenda Kupchick (R-132) and Tony Hwang (R-134) attended the "Bullying Ends Here" public policy breakfast hosted by the Center for Women and Families at the Trumbull Public Library on Tuesday, March 6.
'Last year's bill is recognition that bullying is not limited to the school yard, and with social media such as Facebook, Twitter and texting, bullying is an even greater source of stress and anxiety for our children,' Kelly said." Read More
Community Shares Concerns About Underage Drinking
Canton Patch (Canton, CT) March 9, 2012
"Nearly 100 people came out Thursday night to listen and share ideas about underage drinking.
The forum, which took place at Canton High School, began with a presentation by Maria Coutant Skinner and Kevin Pettit of The McCall Foundation, a prevention and treatment organization in Torrington.
'Every community has problems with drugs and alcohol,' Skinner said at one point in the evening. 'How do we best prepare our kids for these situations? Prevention is the best way.'" Read More
"Nearly 100 people came out Thursday night to listen and share ideas about underage drinking.
The forum, which took place at Canton High School, began with a presentation by Maria Coutant Skinner and Kevin Pettit of The McCall Foundation, a prevention and treatment organization in Torrington.
'Every community has problems with drugs and alcohol,' Skinner said at one point in the evening. 'How do we best prepare our kids for these situations? Prevention is the best way.'" Read More
Teen-produced radio show documents effects of bullying
Fox News, March, 12, 2012
"When Council Brandon was in fifth grade, she found herself cornered into a bathroom stall by the ‘mean girls’ of her school, who told her she wasn’t pretty and needed a makeover.
Council, 14, who lives in Hartford, Conn., said the torment didn’t stop - and she ended up skipping to sixth grade in hopes the older kids would be nicer.
They weren’t.
'I wasn’t afraid to show my knowledge in school, and I was not afraid to grow as a learner – they weren’t used to that,' Council said of her middle school peers. 'Also, I was the only (Caucasian) person in my grade, so I wasn’t interested in the same music they were, or the same pop culture they were used to.'" Read More
"When Council Brandon was in fifth grade, she found herself cornered into a bathroom stall by the ‘mean girls’ of her school, who told her she wasn’t pretty and needed a makeover.
Council, 14, who lives in Hartford, Conn., said the torment didn’t stop - and she ended up skipping to sixth grade in hopes the older kids would be nicer.
They weren’t.
'I wasn’t afraid to show my knowledge in school, and I was not afraid to grow as a learner – they weren’t used to that,' Council said of her middle school peers. 'Also, I was the only (Caucasian) person in my grade, so I wasn’t interested in the same music they were, or the same pop culture they were used to.'" Read More
Friday, March 9, 2012
US report studies youth tobacco use, prevention
CBS News (Richmond, VA) March 8, 2012
"More work needs to be done to keep young Americans from using tobacco, including creating smoking bans and increasing taxes on tobacco products to deter youth, the U.S. Surgeon General's office said in a report released Thursday.
The report said it's particularly important to stop young people from using tobacco because those who start smoking as teenagers can increase their chances of long-term addiction. They also quickly can develop reduced lung function, early heart disease and other health problems.
More than 80 percent of smokers begin by age 18 and 99 percent of adult smokers in the U.S. start by age 26, according to the 920-page report, which is the first comprehensive look at youth tobacco use from the surgeon general's office in nearly two decades." Read More
"More work needs to be done to keep young Americans from using tobacco, including creating smoking bans and increasing taxes on tobacco products to deter youth, the U.S. Surgeon General's office said in a report released Thursday.
The report said it's particularly important to stop young people from using tobacco because those who start smoking as teenagers can increase their chances of long-term addiction. They also quickly can develop reduced lung function, early heart disease and other health problems.
More than 80 percent of smokers begin by age 18 and 99 percent of adult smokers in the U.S. start by age 26, according to the 920-page report, which is the first comprehensive look at youth tobacco use from the surgeon general's office in nearly two decades." Read More
Local legislators stand up for Conn. students at Anti-Bullying Forum
Minuteman News (Trumbull, CT) March 8, 2012
"Rep. Brenda Kupchick (R-132), a member of the General Assembly’s Education Committee, along with State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Lawrence Miller (R-122) and Tony Hwang (R-134) called on communities to work together to make schools a better environment for children.
2011 marked a great start to creating a standardized procedure to identifying and solving the too-common problem of bullying, and yesterday local leaders in government, community organizations and surrounding school systems gathered at the 'Bullying Ends Here' public policy breakfast hosted by the Center for Women and Families at the Trumbull Public Library to talk about best practices and prevention methods when dealing with poor interactions between students." Read More
"Rep. Brenda Kupchick (R-132), a member of the General Assembly’s Education Committee, along with State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Lawrence Miller (R-122) and Tony Hwang (R-134) called on communities to work together to make schools a better environment for children.
2011 marked a great start to creating a standardized procedure to identifying and solving the too-common problem of bullying, and yesterday local leaders in government, community organizations and surrounding school systems gathered at the 'Bullying Ends Here' public policy breakfast hosted by the Center for Women and Families at the Trumbull Public Library to talk about best practices and prevention methods when dealing with poor interactions between students." Read More
Underage Drinking and the Law
Wilton Patch (Wilton, CT) March 9, 2012
"With recent events published regarding underage drinking and warmer weather just around the corner, it is timely to address the laws as they presently stand in Connecticut regarding underage drinking. What I hope to accomplish is to educate the community on what the police can and cannot do regarding this topic pursuant to law.
In Conn., possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 in a public or private place is prohibited by law unless a minor child is accompanied by parent or legal guardian who has given their permission to such minor child. If any person, regardless of age, provides alcohol to a minor who is not their child they can be charged with the crime of Providing Alcohol to a Minor." Read More
"With recent events published regarding underage drinking and warmer weather just around the corner, it is timely to address the laws as they presently stand in Connecticut regarding underage drinking. What I hope to accomplish is to educate the community on what the police can and cannot do regarding this topic pursuant to law.
In Conn., possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 in a public or private place is prohibited by law unless a minor child is accompanied by parent or legal guardian who has given their permission to such minor child. If any person, regardless of age, provides alcohol to a minor who is not their child they can be charged with the crime of Providing Alcohol to a Minor." Read More
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Wrestling superstar delivers anti-bullying message to Montville students
Norwich Bulletin (Montville, CT) March 6, 2012
"When WWE superstar wrestler Sheamus asked Tyl Middle School students Tuesday if they had ever been bullied, nearly half raised their hands.
The native of Ireland came to the Montville school to deliver an anti-bullying message to students. He’s part of Be a Star, an anti-bullying alliance co-founded by the WWE and the Creative Coalition.
'I was physically, unbearably bullied,' Sheamus told students. 'I felt there was something wrong with me.'" Read More
"When WWE superstar wrestler Sheamus asked Tyl Middle School students Tuesday if they had ever been bullied, nearly half raised their hands.
The native of Ireland came to the Montville school to deliver an anti-bullying message to students. He’s part of Be a Star, an anti-bullying alliance co-founded by the WWE and the Creative Coalition.
'I was physically, unbearably bullied,' Sheamus told students. 'I felt there was something wrong with me.'" Read More
Why Being The ‘Cool Parent’ Isn’t So Cool
Psych Central, March 5, 2012
"There’s always that one parent that makes the rest of us look bad. You know, the one that buys all the cool tech gadgets, doesn’t believe in curfews, and gets friended by their kids (and their kids’ friends) on Facebook. Although we envy any parent that gets more than one-word answers out of their teenager, is being 'cool' worth the cost?
If being cool means being up on all the latest teen trends, relating to things teens care about like technology or celebrity gossip, or having the kind of relationship where your teen can tell you anything, go on making the rest of us look like dweebs.
But if your teen starts experimenting with drugs or alcohol or taking risks that put them in danger, it’s time to take a hard look at what coolness has really gotten you." Read More
"There’s always that one parent that makes the rest of us look bad. You know, the one that buys all the cool tech gadgets, doesn’t believe in curfews, and gets friended by their kids (and their kids’ friends) on Facebook. Although we envy any parent that gets more than one-word answers out of their teenager, is being 'cool' worth the cost?
If being cool means being up on all the latest teen trends, relating to things teens care about like technology or celebrity gossip, or having the kind of relationship where your teen can tell you anything, go on making the rest of us look like dweebs.
But if your teen starts experimenting with drugs or alcohol or taking risks that put them in danger, it’s time to take a hard look at what coolness has really gotten you." Read More
Students learn anti-bullying skills with Girl Scouts
Wilton Villager (Norwalk, CT) March 5, 2012
"Brookside School fourth grader Daneesha Dupree knows first-hand the effects of being bullied, but given the tools she has learned in the weekly Connecticut Girl Scout Council-sponsored GIRLZ R.U.L.E. program at her school she dealt with the bullying directly.
'People that used to be my friends stopped being my friends for no reason and started picking on me,' said Daneesha. 'Coming here has taught me to stand up for myself. I talked to them and said, 'I'm the same person I was before' and told them to stop picking on me. When I said that, they stopped.'
GIRLZ R.U.L.E. is a program that the Girl Scout Council has put into place in some of the local schools to offset what facilitator Donna Lellis calls, 'the devastating effects of bullying.'" Read More
"Brookside School fourth grader Daneesha Dupree knows first-hand the effects of being bullied, but given the tools she has learned in the weekly Connecticut Girl Scout Council-sponsored GIRLZ R.U.L.E. program at her school she dealt with the bullying directly.
'People that used to be my friends stopped being my friends for no reason and started picking on me,' said Daneesha. 'Coming here has taught me to stand up for myself. I talked to them and said, 'I'm the same person I was before' and told them to stop picking on me. When I said that, they stopped.'
GIRLZ R.U.L.E. is a program that the Girl Scout Council has put into place in some of the local schools to offset what facilitator Donna Lellis calls, 'the devastating effects of bullying.'" Read More
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bullying May Raise Risk of Suicidal Thoughts: Study
Health Day News, March 2, 2012
"Children involved in bullying are more likely than their peers to consider suicide by the time they are 11, a new study indicates.
These thoughts of self-harm are not limited to victims of bullying, however. The study also revealed that bullies themselves are much more prone to suicidal thoughts or some other form of self-harm.
For the study, investigators analyzed bullying among more than 6,000 children ranging in age from 4 to 10, and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts when the same children were 11 and 12." Read More
"Children involved in bullying are more likely than their peers to consider suicide by the time they are 11, a new study indicates.
These thoughts of self-harm are not limited to victims of bullying, however. The study also revealed that bullies themselves are much more prone to suicidal thoughts or some other form of self-harm.
For the study, investigators analyzed bullying among more than 6,000 children ranging in age from 4 to 10, and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts when the same children were 11 and 12." Read More
Ledyard church hosts anti-bullying workshops
Norwich Bulletin (Ledyard, CT) March 3, 2012
"The Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut recently conducted anti-bullying workshops at the Ledyard Congregational Church.
Fifty children, teens and adults took part in the series during two weekends in February. The event was sponsored by the church’s Anti-Bullying Committee.
Anne Wernau, who heads the Center’s Community Education Program, and Kris Wraight, violence prevention educator, offered workshops titled 'Stop It, Bully! That’s Mean' for grades 3-6; 'Healthy Relationships: Is Jealousy a Sign of Love?' for teens, and 'How Do You Communicate with Your Teens?' for adults." Read More
"The Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut recently conducted anti-bullying workshops at the Ledyard Congregational Church.
Fifty children, teens and adults took part in the series during two weekends in February. The event was sponsored by the church’s Anti-Bullying Committee.
Anne Wernau, who heads the Center’s Community Education Program, and Kris Wraight, violence prevention educator, offered workshops titled 'Stop It, Bully! That’s Mean' for grades 3-6; 'Healthy Relationships: Is Jealousy a Sign of Love?' for teens, and 'How Do You Communicate with Your Teens?' for adults." Read More
Student Bullies More Likely To Use Alcohol, Marijuana
Red Orbit, March 6, 2012
"Students who bully their classmates are more likely than others to use substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, according to a new study by researchers at Ohio State University.
'Our findings suggest that one deviant behavior may be related to another,' said Kisha Radliff, lead author of the study and assistant professor of school psychology at the Ohio State University.
'For example, youth who bully others might be more likely to also try substance use. The reverse could also be true in that youth who use substances might be more likely to bully others.'
Students who were both perpetrators and victims of bullying were also more likely to be substance users than kids who were uninvolved or were victims only." Read More
"Students who bully their classmates are more likely than others to use substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, according to a new study by researchers at Ohio State University.
'Our findings suggest that one deviant behavior may be related to another,' said Kisha Radliff, lead author of the study and assistant professor of school psychology at the Ohio State University.
'For example, youth who bully others might be more likely to also try substance use. The reverse could also be true in that youth who use substances might be more likely to bully others.'
Students who were both perpetrators and victims of bullying were also more likely to be substance users than kids who were uninvolved or were victims only." Read More
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