Connecticut Plus (Hartford, CT) September 26, 2012
"On Saturday, September 29, state and local law enforcement officials in more than 60 cities and towns across Connecticut will join with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to give residents the opportunity to prevent drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
Attorney General George Jepsen recently joined the DEA, the state Departments of Consumer Protection and of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership in detailing the state’s growing prescription drug problem and encouraging state residents to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by visiting a nearby collection site." Read More
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Bullying Awareness On School Buses In 30 Towns
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) September 26, 2012
"All-Star Transportation is proud to be participating in Blue Shirt Day, a part of the World Day of Bullying Prevention.
On Monday, Oct. 1, more than 750 All-Star Transportation employees, including school bus drivers and bus monitors, will be wearing blue t-shirts emblazoned with a graphic that says 'Be Nice on My Bus!'
'There is no such thing as 'sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me' in real life,' said Safety Supervisor Brenda Bass, who spearheaded this effort. 'A child who is bullied is scarred and it can affect them for the rest of their life.'" Read More
"All-Star Transportation is proud to be participating in Blue Shirt Day, a part of the World Day of Bullying Prevention.
On Monday, Oct. 1, more than 750 All-Star Transportation employees, including school bus drivers and bus monitors, will be wearing blue t-shirts emblazoned with a graphic that says 'Be Nice on My Bus!'
'There is no such thing as 'sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me' in real life,' said Safety Supervisor Brenda Bass, who spearheaded this effort. 'A child who is bullied is scarred and it can affect them for the rest of their life.'" Read More
Dump unwanted prescription drugs safely
The Darien Times (Darien, CT) September 26, 2012
"Have unused prescription drugs? Then bring them to the dump on Ledge Road on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10-2 p.m.
The Darien Health Department, in conjunction with the Darien Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The service is free and anonymous-no questions asked." Read More
"Have unused prescription drugs? Then bring them to the dump on Ledge Road on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10-2 p.m.
The Darien Health Department, in conjunction with the Darien Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The service is free and anonymous-no questions asked." Read More
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Dispose of Your Unwanted Prescription Drugs
Orange Patch (Orange, CT) September 25, 2012
"On Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. the Orange Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), has scheduled another one-day National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative. This event will take place in the Stop & Shop parking lot, located at 259 Bull Hill Lane. This is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted or unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications." Read More
"On Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. the Orange Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), has scheduled another one-day National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative. This event will take place in the Stop & Shop parking lot, located at 259 Bull Hill Lane. This is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted or unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications." Read More
MENTOR Announces a New, Cutting-Edge Resource for Mentoring
MENTOR, September 25, 2012
"MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership announces a new, relevant and meaningful online resource developed by Dr. Jean Rhodes called The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring. This tool will highlight new findings and ideas about youth mentoring and give practitioners the opportunity to share their local community experiences.
The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring is hosted on the University of Massachusetts, Boston’s website for the Center for Evidence Based Mentoring. This Center was established earlier this year in partnership with MENTOR and is dedicated to creating the open and efficient exchange of research and ideas for the advancement of youth mentoring practices and policies." Read More
"MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership announces a new, relevant and meaningful online resource developed by Dr. Jean Rhodes called The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring. This tool will highlight new findings and ideas about youth mentoring and give practitioners the opportunity to share their local community experiences.
The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring is hosted on the University of Massachusetts, Boston’s website for the Center for Evidence Based Mentoring. This Center was established earlier this year in partnership with MENTOR and is dedicated to creating the open and efficient exchange of research and ideas for the advancement of youth mentoring practices and policies." Read More
Courage to Speak Foundation opens family resource center
Norwalk Citizen (Norwalk, CT) September 24, 2012
"State Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Norwalk) spent a lot of time with her summer interns, and she talked to the young people extensively about what they thought of the new Connecticut drug laws--the one decriminalizing possession and personal use of less than one half ounce of marijuana, and the one approving the medical use of the marijuana.
'They are very confused now. They don't really understand what's OK to do and what isn't, and really what is legal and what is not,' Laveille told the people gathered at the opening of the Courage to Speak Foundation Family Resource Center in Norwalk Friday morning. 'And whether having anything to do with it at all is maybe OK.'" Read More
"State Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Norwalk) spent a lot of time with her summer interns, and she talked to the young people extensively about what they thought of the new Connecticut drug laws--the one decriminalizing possession and personal use of less than one half ounce of marijuana, and the one approving the medical use of the marijuana.
'They are very confused now. They don't really understand what's OK to do and what isn't, and really what is legal and what is not,' Laveille told the people gathered at the opening of the Courage to Speak Foundation Family Resource Center in Norwalk Friday morning. 'And whether having anything to do with it at all is maybe OK.'" Read More
Bully Buster plans events for Bullying Prevention Month
The Day (Norwich, CT) September 24, 2012
"The Greater Norwich Anti-Bullying Coalition will participate in National Bullying Prevention Month with a Bully-Busters Promotes National Bullying Prevention Month with a youth dance on Oct. 5 and a fundraiser Walk-Run-Roll event at Mohegan Park Oct. 6.
The group will have a First Friday For Youth Unity Dance for youths ages 11 through 15 at United Congregational Church 87 Broadway from 6 to 9 p.m. The dance is free. Participants are asked to sign in when they arrive." Read More
Monday, September 24, 2012
Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks mentors
Plainville Citizen (Plainville, CT) September 23, 2012
"Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Connecticut’s premier youth mentoring organization, has launched an early fall campaign designed to transition as many young people as possible off its Plainville area waiting list and into productive match relationships with caring adult mentors.
'Our list of children waiting for mentors has definitely grown larger over the past six months in the 44 northwest Connecticut towns and cities we cover,' said Lisa Hanggi, director of programs. 'We’re not sure that growth has to do with the economy, or if it’s impacted by people hearing good things about the positive outcomes our services generate. Whatever the cause, we’re determined to dramatically reduce our waiting list before the onset of summer so more young people have the opportunity to utilize their innate talents and fulfill their great potential.'" Read More
"Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Connecticut’s premier youth mentoring organization, has launched an early fall campaign designed to transition as many young people as possible off its Plainville area waiting list and into productive match relationships with caring adult mentors.
'Our list of children waiting for mentors has definitely grown larger over the past six months in the 44 northwest Connecticut towns and cities we cover,' said Lisa Hanggi, director of programs. 'We’re not sure that growth has to do with the economy, or if it’s impacted by people hearing good things about the positive outcomes our services generate. Whatever the cause, we’re determined to dramatically reduce our waiting list before the onset of summer so more young people have the opportunity to utilize their innate talents and fulfill their great potential.'" Read More
YW girls' mentoring program taking applicants
Darien News (Darien, CT) September 23, 2012
"The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is enrolling Darien High School students in the new Mentoring for Girls program, which pairs a volunteer adult female mentor with a high school girl for twice-monthly sessions throughout the school year.
The program is the first woman-to-girl mentoring program in Darien. Its mission is to help build young women's self-esteem and to realize their full potential as they face the challenges and rewards of high school and beyond. All sessions will take place at the YW's office at 49 Old Kings Highway North on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each will offer a theme such as 'Setting Goals,' 'Overcoming Challenges' or 'Finding Motivation,' and will be overseen by a program coordinator." Read More
"The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is enrolling Darien High School students in the new Mentoring for Girls program, which pairs a volunteer adult female mentor with a high school girl for twice-monthly sessions throughout the school year.
The program is the first woman-to-girl mentoring program in Darien. Its mission is to help build young women's self-esteem and to realize their full potential as they face the challenges and rewards of high school and beyond. All sessions will take place at the YW's office at 49 Old Kings Highway North on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each will offer a theme such as 'Setting Goals,' 'Overcoming Challenges' or 'Finding Motivation,' and will be overseen by a program coordinator." Read More
New Haven mentoring program 'blends' well for girls
New Haven Register (New Haven, CT) September 23, 2012
"When Jeanette Sykes developed The Perfect Blend mentoring program for girls and women five years ago, her vision was of generations learning from one another.
Now the vision is reality.
The growing program has a perfect blend of accomplished community members, high school girls, college women and, most recently, middle school girls helping one another.
Brianna Blunt, 18, a student at Parson’s School of Design in New York City, said mentoring middle school students was a wonderful experience. In a workshop on body images, for instance, the main message was to accept yourself and don’t expect to look like Beyonce." Read More
"When Jeanette Sykes developed The Perfect Blend mentoring program for girls and women five years ago, her vision was of generations learning from one another.
Now the vision is reality.
The growing program has a perfect blend of accomplished community members, high school girls, college women and, most recently, middle school girls helping one another.
Brianna Blunt, 18, a student at Parson’s School of Design in New York City, said mentoring middle school students was a wonderful experience. In a workshop on body images, for instance, the main message was to accept yourself and don’t expect to look like Beyonce." Read More
Friday, September 21, 2012
Three Plainfield business cited for allegedly selling liquor to minors
Norwich Bulletin (Plainfield, CT) September 19, 2012
"Three Plainfield stores allegedly sold liquor to minors, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.
Better Val-U Supermarket, 657 Norwich Road, Plainfield Northeast Wine & Spirits, 81 Lathrop Road, and Marie’s Lake Street Spirits, 30 Lake St. in Moosup, were visited by minors from the Governor’s Prevention Partnership group, part of an operation that included compliance checks of nine package and grocery stores in Plainfield." Read More
"Three Plainfield stores allegedly sold liquor to minors, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.
Better Val-U Supermarket, 657 Norwich Road, Plainfield Northeast Wine & Spirits, 81 Lathrop Road, and Marie’s Lake Street Spirits, 30 Lake St. in Moosup, were visited by minors from the Governor’s Prevention Partnership group, part of an operation that included compliance checks of nine package and grocery stores in Plainfield." Read More
Bullying Bulletin Board: Should I monitor my child online?
Norwich Bulletin (Norwich, CT) September 20, 2012
"There certainly is no lack of programs available that permit you to monitor what your children do online. But is parental monitoring effective? Is it an invasion of childrens’ (legitimate) need for private interactions with their friends? Is it effective? Does it prevent cyberbullying?
Actually, parents should monitor their kids on social networking sites (and elsewhere), but not for the reason most people think. Monitoring is usually presented as a situation where parents are 'spying' on their kids' private communications in order to catch them doing something risky or bad. Some experts even recommend that parents not tell their child that they're being monitored." Read More
"There certainly is no lack of programs available that permit you to monitor what your children do online. But is parental monitoring effective? Is it an invasion of childrens’ (legitimate) need for private interactions with their friends? Is it effective? Does it prevent cyberbullying?
Actually, parents should monitor their kids on social networking sites (and elsewhere), but not for the reason most people think. Monitoring is usually presented as a situation where parents are 'spying' on their kids' private communications in order to catch them doing something risky or bad. Some experts even recommend that parents not tell their child that they're being monitored." Read More
Substance Abuse Council celebrates 20 years in Meriden, Wallingford
Record Journal (Meriden, CT) September 19, 2012
"Twenty years ago, when the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council was established, the nonprofit organization was run by two employees assigned to form community partnerships and raise awareness of substance abuse.
Today, the organization is still run by two employees, but has grown into the South Central Connecticut Substance Abuse Council. Just recently, the organization was tasked with providing assistance to seven other communities, while continuing to provide programming for youth, informational pamphlets and awareness campaigns." Read More
"Twenty years ago, when the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council was established, the nonprofit organization was run by two employees assigned to form community partnerships and raise awareness of substance abuse.
Today, the organization is still run by two employees, but has grown into the South Central Connecticut Substance Abuse Council. Just recently, the organization was tasked with providing assistance to seven other communities, while continuing to provide programming for youth, informational pamphlets and awareness campaigns." Read More
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Lieberman, Blumenthal, Larson announce funding for child mentoring programs
Connecticut Plus (Hartford, CT) September 19, 2012
"Today, Senator Joseph I. Lieberman and Senator Richard Blumenthal along with Congressman John B. Larson and the Mayor of Hartford Pedro E. Segarra announced a $109,910 grant for the Governor’s Prevention Partnership’s Hartford Juvenile Mentoring Collaborative. The grant, awarded through the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program (OJJDP), will help support mentoring initiatives seeking to reduce juvenile delinquency, gang involvement, academic failure, victimization, and school dropout rates.
The members of the Connecticut Delegation released the following in a joint statement: 'Every child deserves to reach his or her full potential. Mentoring programs are a valuable source of strength for at-risk youth here in Connecticut, and we are very pleased to see this funding supporting them. We know the Governor’s Prevention Partnership will use this funding to help hundreds of youth in Connecticut and we look forward to seeing them continue this essential work in our communities.'" Read More
"Today, Senator Joseph I. Lieberman and Senator Richard Blumenthal along with Congressman John B. Larson and the Mayor of Hartford Pedro E. Segarra announced a $109,910 grant for the Governor’s Prevention Partnership’s Hartford Juvenile Mentoring Collaborative. The grant, awarded through the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program (OJJDP), will help support mentoring initiatives seeking to reduce juvenile delinquency, gang involvement, academic failure, victimization, and school dropout rates.
The members of the Connecticut Delegation released the following in a joint statement: 'Every child deserves to reach his or her full potential. Mentoring programs are a valuable source of strength for at-risk youth here in Connecticut, and we are very pleased to see this funding supporting them. We know the Governor’s Prevention Partnership will use this funding to help hundreds of youth in Connecticut and we look forward to seeing them continue this essential work in our communities.'" Read More
New Law Could Make Property Owners Liable for Underage Drinking
Ridgefield Patch (Ridgefield, CT) September 19, 2012
"Once again, it is time for our children to go back to school. For many parents, these 'children' are young adults who will be going off to high school. Some of these parents might be faced with issues involving alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in their homes.
Many times parents want to do what is right and are sometimes conflicted by thoughts of hosting 'controlled' parties at their homes, with limited numbers of teens, under strict supervision, where alcohol is served. This plan is nothing short of a recipe for disaster." Read More
"Once again, it is time for our children to go back to school. For many parents, these 'children' are young adults who will be going off to high school. Some of these parents might be faced with issues involving alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in their homes.
Many times parents want to do what is right and are sometimes conflicted by thoughts of hosting 'controlled' parties at their homes, with limited numbers of teens, under strict supervision, where alcohol is served. This plan is nothing short of a recipe for disaster." Read More
Study shows almost half of children with autism victimized by bullies
The Washington Post, September 19, 2012
"A study published this month in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine shows that children with autism are more than four times as likely to be the victims of bullying than their typically developing siblings. The statistics confirm what many parents already knew: Children with autism spectrum disorders are particularly vulnerable to rejection from their peer group.
It’s no surprise that they are victimized more. Kids with autism often struggle with social interactions and language, making it challenging for them to connect with others, even when they want to." Read More
"A study published this month in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine shows that children with autism are more than four times as likely to be the victims of bullying than their typically developing siblings. The statistics confirm what many parents already knew: Children with autism spectrum disorders are particularly vulnerable to rejection from their peer group.
It’s no surprise that they are victimized more. Kids with autism often struggle with social interactions and language, making it challenging for them to connect with others, even when they want to." Read More
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Only half of adults say schools should take action when kids bully with social isolation
Phys.org, September 17, 2012
"The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health recently asked a nationwide sample of adults what behaviors should be considered bullying and what behaviors should spur school officials to intervene.
The vast majority of adults (95 percent) say schools should take action if a student makes another student afraid for his/her physical safety. Eighty-one percent said schools should intervene when someone humiliates or embarrasses another student and 76 percent call for intervention when someone spreads rumors.
But only 56 percent said isolating a student socially should prompt school intervention." Read More
"The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health recently asked a nationwide sample of adults what behaviors should be considered bullying and what behaviors should spur school officials to intervene.
The vast majority of adults (95 percent) say schools should take action if a student makes another student afraid for his/her physical safety. Eighty-one percent said schools should intervene when someone humiliates or embarrasses another student and 76 percent call for intervention when someone spreads rumors.
But only 56 percent said isolating a student socially should prompt school intervention." Read More
Big Brothers Big Sisters Honors Hispanic Heritage Month With The Launch Of LatinoBigs.org
The Sacramento Bee (Philadelphia, PA) September 17, 2012
"In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is launching LatinoBigs.org, the nation's first bilingual website focused on one-to-one long-term youth mentoring services. The website will feature and engage Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors and mentees; families, supporters and donors.
'With the launch of LatinoBigs.org, we celebrate progress we have made in employing culturally relevant mentoring approaches to guide and empower youth to succeed in life. At the same time, we recognize population trends and the demand to reach more children' said Hector Cortez, Vice President of Strategic Community Engagement, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. 'Our Hispanic Mentoring Initiative is founded on research affirming that family members are a Latino child's first mentors. Recognizing that, we support families by carefully matching each child with the right mentor and providing ongoing support to the volunteer, child and family throughout the course of the long-term mentoring relationship.'" Read More
"In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is launching LatinoBigs.org, the nation's first bilingual website focused on one-to-one long-term youth mentoring services. The website will feature and engage Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors and mentees; families, supporters and donors.
'With the launch of LatinoBigs.org, we celebrate progress we have made in employing culturally relevant mentoring approaches to guide and empower youth to succeed in life. At the same time, we recognize population trends and the demand to reach more children' said Hector Cortez, Vice President of Strategic Community Engagement, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. 'Our Hispanic Mentoring Initiative is founded on research affirming that family members are a Latino child's first mentors. Recognizing that, we support families by carefully matching each child with the right mentor and providing ongoing support to the volunteer, child and family throughout the course of the long-term mentoring relationship.'" Read More
Monday, September 17, 2012
Quitting Smoking Just as Hard for Teens: Study
HealthDay, September 14, 2012
"It's hard to give up smoking, even for those who are fairly new to the deadly habit, according to a new study that found that quitting smoking is just as hard for teenagers as it is for adults.
In the study, published online Sept. 4 in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, scientists at Brown University found that young people who are new smokers suffer nearly all of the same negative psychological effects when they try to quit as people who've smoked for years.
Unlike adults trying to quit, however, teens aren't irritated by certain sounds and they are still able to feel happy. The study authors suggested their findings could help improve programs designed to help people stop smoking." Read More
"It's hard to give up smoking, even for those who are fairly new to the deadly habit, according to a new study that found that quitting smoking is just as hard for teenagers as it is for adults.
In the study, published online Sept. 4 in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, scientists at Brown University found that young people who are new smokers suffer nearly all of the same negative psychological effects when they try to quit as people who've smoked for years.
Unlike adults trying to quit, however, teens aren't irritated by certain sounds and they are still able to feel happy. The study authors suggested their findings could help improve programs designed to help people stop smoking." Read More
Pilot programs look to increase use of prescription drug monitoring databases
American Medical News, September 12, 2012
"There is widespread agreement in the Health and Human Services Dept.’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and other departments in the federal government that prescription drug monitoring databases are an effective tool in combating prescription drug abuse, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called an epidemic.
But they acknowledge that getting physicians to use the tool has been challenging, especially in states where use of the database is voluntary. The ONC launched two pilot programs aimed at increasing use of the databases by making it easier for physicians to access them." Read More
"There is widespread agreement in the Health and Human Services Dept.’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and other departments in the federal government that prescription drug monitoring databases are an effective tool in combating prescription drug abuse, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called an epidemic.
But they acknowledge that getting physicians to use the tool has been challenging, especially in states where use of the database is voluntary. The ONC launched two pilot programs aimed at increasing use of the databases by making it easier for physicians to access them." Read More
Schools address drinking problems
The Examiner, September 15, 2012
"Yesterday's edition of The Heights, the Boston College school newspaper announced that this fall, Boston College’s Office of Health Promotion and the Alcohol and Drug Education (ADE) Programs are starting a support group for students on campus who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. Staff and peer specialists within the program note that college is one of the toughest environments in which to stay sober. There is a general expectation that heavy alcohol use and college go together.
Studies have shown that campuses in the Northeast, campuses with a high percentage of students involved in Greek life, and campuses with successful and notable sports teams are some of the schools with higher rates of drinking issues. BC qualifies on two out of the three factors." Read More
"Yesterday's edition of The Heights, the Boston College school newspaper announced that this fall, Boston College’s Office of Health Promotion and the Alcohol and Drug Education (ADE) Programs are starting a support group for students on campus who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. Staff and peer specialists within the program note that college is one of the toughest environments in which to stay sober. There is a general expectation that heavy alcohol use and college go together.
Studies have shown that campuses in the Northeast, campuses with a high percentage of students involved in Greek life, and campuses with successful and notable sports teams are some of the schools with higher rates of drinking issues. BC qualifies on two out of the three factors." Read More
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Litchfield School District addresses bullying
The Register Citizen (Litchfield, CT) September 12, 2012
"Superintendent Deborah Wheeler said this week Litchfield School District is well prepared to address any suspected or reported incidents of bullying in the district with the new school year.
'We’re certainly following the guidelines being established by the state, we have appointed our school climate resource [people] and we do have some information posted on our Web site with some anti-bullying information,' said Dr. Wheeler on Wednesday.
In July 2011, the Connecticut Legislature passed a new school bullying prevention law, An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, Public CT No. 11-232, which contains significant revisions aimed at strengthening the existing statute." Read More
"Superintendent Deborah Wheeler said this week Litchfield School District is well prepared to address any suspected or reported incidents of bullying in the district with the new school year.
'We’re certainly following the guidelines being established by the state, we have appointed our school climate resource [people] and we do have some information posted on our Web site with some anti-bullying information,' said Dr. Wheeler on Wednesday.
In July 2011, the Connecticut Legislature passed a new school bullying prevention law, An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, Public CT No. 11-232, which contains significant revisions aimed at strengthening the existing statute." Read More
OJJDP Highlights Neurological, Economic Consequences of Underage Drinking
Youth Today, September 11, 2012
"New findings from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) address the neurological impact of underage drinking, suggesting that teens that use alcohol may be more likely to experience developmental problems, such as memory lapses, and engage in more dangerous activities, including risky sexual behaviors, than their peers.
Effects and Consequences of Underage Drinking, a bulletin released by the OJJDP earlier this month, is a literature review compiling various findings regarding the social, developmental and economic influence of teenage alcohol consumption." Read More
"New findings from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) address the neurological impact of underage drinking, suggesting that teens that use alcohol may be more likely to experience developmental problems, such as memory lapses, and engage in more dangerous activities, including risky sexual behaviors, than their peers.
Effects and Consequences of Underage Drinking, a bulletin released by the OJJDP earlier this month, is a literature review compiling various findings regarding the social, developmental and economic influence of teenage alcohol consumption." Read More
Some Teachers Still Think of Bullying as 'Boys Being Boys'
Ellington-Somers Patch (Ellington, CT) September 11, 2012
"For a while now, I’ve been thinking that my work was done. That the word has gotten out about bullying, that the school systems were putting a stop to it, that parents knew the signs, and that people were ready to step in and stop it when they saw it.
I’m pretty sure others have started thinking this way too. Nowadays, school administrators avoid using terms like 'bullying' or 'anti-bullying' when discussing the topic. They have started to say those terms have been overused. Better, they say, that we talk about creating a “safe school climate” for students. I guess bullying just doesn’t happen anymore." Read More
"For a while now, I’ve been thinking that my work was done. That the word has gotten out about bullying, that the school systems were putting a stop to it, that parents knew the signs, and that people were ready to step in and stop it when they saw it.
I’m pretty sure others have started thinking this way too. Nowadays, school administrators avoid using terms like 'bullying' or 'anti-bullying' when discussing the topic. They have started to say those terms have been overused. Better, they say, that we talk about creating a “safe school climate” for students. I guess bullying just doesn’t happen anymore." Read More
Monday, September 10, 2012
CVS Caremark to sponsor The Partnership at Drugfree.org campaign to curb Rx abuse
Drug Store News (Woonsocket, RI) September 6, 2012
"CVS Caremark announced that it has joined with a group of public and private sector partners and will sponsor the 'The Medicine Abuse Project,' a multiyear effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org to raise awareness and curb the abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. The project's goal is to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicines over the next five years.
'It is startling that 1-in-6 teens has taken a prescription drug without a prescription and that the majority of teens who abuse medications get them from the homes of family and friends,' CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo said." Read More
"CVS Caremark announced that it has joined with a group of public and private sector partners and will sponsor the 'The Medicine Abuse Project,' a multiyear effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org to raise awareness and curb the abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. The project's goal is to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicines over the next five years.
'It is startling that 1-in-6 teens has taken a prescription drug without a prescription and that the majority of teens who abuse medications get them from the homes of family and friends,' CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo said." Read More
Mentoring program open to high school girls
Darien News (Darien, CT) September 7, 2012
"The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is looking for Darien High School girls who are interested in participating in the YWCA Mentoring Program, which pairs an adult female volunteer with a high school girl for bi-monthly sessions throughout the school year.
The program begins on Monday, Sept. 17, at the YWCA office, 49 Old Kings Highway Norwalk, Darien." Read More
"The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is looking for Darien High School girls who are interested in participating in the YWCA Mentoring Program, which pairs an adult female volunteer with a high school girl for bi-monthly sessions throughout the school year.
The program begins on Monday, Sept. 17, at the YWCA office, 49 Old Kings Highway Norwalk, Darien." Read More
Schools Tackling Bullies, But Can't Do It Alone
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) September 7, 2012
"Bullying in school is a serious, widespread problem. According to the General Assembly's Commission on Children, 25 percent of Connecticut high school students say they have been bullied.
But schools and school districts can do only so much. As with other problems facing public education, real change will come only with cooperation and advocacy at home.
Laws passed by the state legislature last year will reduce school bullying. Every public school must appoint a 'safe school climate' committee and specialist to monitor bullying. In addition, each school district must create a safe school climate coordinator to, among other things, act as a liaison between the district and the state Department of Education." Read More
"Bullying in school is a serious, widespread problem. According to the General Assembly's Commission on Children, 25 percent of Connecticut high school students say they have been bullied.
But schools and school districts can do only so much. As with other problems facing public education, real change will come only with cooperation and advocacy at home.
Laws passed by the state legislature last year will reduce school bullying. Every public school must appoint a 'safe school climate' committee and specialist to monitor bullying. In addition, each school district must create a safe school climate coordinator to, among other things, act as a liaison between the district and the state Department of Education." Read More
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council wins $125,000 federal grant
Town Times (Durham, CT) August 27, 2012
"Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) announced that the Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council has been awarded a $125,000 Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant. The funds will be used to engage with the local community and prevent substance abuse among youth.
'The future of America is largely dependent on the ability of young people to make decisions that will help keep them healthy and safe,' DeLauro said. 'The Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council does great work with youth in those two communities, making sure they stay drug free. I am proud to have supported their application for this grant and will continue to advocate for them in the future.'" Read More
"Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) announced that the Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council has been awarded a $125,000 Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant. The funds will be used to engage with the local community and prevent substance abuse among youth.
'The future of America is largely dependent on the ability of young people to make decisions that will help keep them healthy and safe,' DeLauro said. 'The Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council does great work with youth in those two communities, making sure they stay drug free. I am proud to have supported their application for this grant and will continue to advocate for them in the future.'" Read More
Anti-bullying conference for girls Sept. 22
The Herald (Shelton, CT) August 30, 2012
"Girl Scouts of Connecticut will be hosting an Anti-Bullying Conference on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Shelton Intermediate School.
This conference is for girls in grades 6 to 12 and adults. The conference will feature a variety of workshops and activities ranging from bullying prevention strategies, building positive self-esteem and learning about social media and empowerment.
Girls may attend as an individual, with an adult, or with a troop. The deadline to register is Sept. 7 and may be done online at www.gsofct.org." Read More
"Girl Scouts of Connecticut will be hosting an Anti-Bullying Conference on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Shelton Intermediate School.
This conference is for girls in grades 6 to 12 and adults. The conference will feature a variety of workshops and activities ranging from bullying prevention strategies, building positive self-esteem and learning about social media and empowerment.
Girls may attend as an individual, with an adult, or with a troop. The deadline to register is Sept. 7 and may be done online at www.gsofct.org." Read More
Steroid use among high school girls on rise
News Times (Norwalk, CT) August 30, 2012
"Performance-enhancing drugs have been in the news so much that the acronym PED is recognizable shorthand for many people.
But what about APED? That stands for appearance -- and performance-enhancing drugs -- a more accurate description of why teenagers can be lured into the use of dangerous anabolic steroids, says Don Hooton Jr., whose 17-year-old brother, Taylor, became depressed and committed suicide in 2003 after using anabolic steroids." Read More
"Performance-enhancing drugs have been in the news so much that the acronym PED is recognizable shorthand for many people.
But what about APED? That stands for appearance -- and performance-enhancing drugs -- a more accurate description of why teenagers can be lured into the use of dangerous anabolic steroids, says Don Hooton Jr., whose 17-year-old brother, Taylor, became depressed and committed suicide in 2003 after using anabolic steroids." Read More
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Why Are Asthmatic Youngsters More Likely To Be Bullied?
Red Orbit, September 3, 2012
"The inability of asthmatic children to participate in sports, and the melancholy feelings those youngsters experience, are believed to be two of the primary reasons that they are frequently the victims of bullying, researchers from one UK hospital claim in a new study.
Dr. Will Carroll and colleagues from the Derbyshire Children’s Hospital in the East Midlands region of England used data collected from the six-nation 'Room to Breathe' childhood asthma study to determine what factors contributed to the increased likelihood that kids with asthma would be bullied, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) explained in a September 2 statement." Read More
"The inability of asthmatic children to participate in sports, and the melancholy feelings those youngsters experience, are believed to be two of the primary reasons that they are frequently the victims of bullying, researchers from one UK hospital claim in a new study.
Dr. Will Carroll and colleagues from the Derbyshire Children’s Hospital in the East Midlands region of England used data collected from the six-nation 'Room to Breathe' childhood asthma study to determine what factors contributed to the increased likelihood that kids with asthma would be bullied, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) explained in a September 2 statement." Read More
Tips to ease back to school stress
WTNH News-8 (New Haven, CT) August 29, 2012
"Jill Spineti, the President & CEO of The Governor's Prevention Partnership , shares tips to ease stress as kids head back-to-school.
Celebrating more than 22 years of keeping Connecticut kids safe, successful and drug-free, The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is a statewide, nonprofit public-private alliance, building a strong, healthy future workforce through leadership in mentoring and prevention of youth violence and bullying, underage drinking, and substance abuse." Read More
"Jill Spineti, the President & CEO of The Governor's Prevention Partnership , shares tips to ease stress as kids head back-to-school.
Celebrating more than 22 years of keeping Connecticut kids safe, successful and drug-free, The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is a statewide, nonprofit public-private alliance, building a strong, healthy future workforce through leadership in mentoring and prevention of youth violence and bullying, underage drinking, and substance abuse." Read More
With New School Year Comes Another Attempt To Curb Bullying
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) September 1, 2012
"Bullying has been a target of Connecticut educators and lawmakers since at least 2002, when a 12-year-old hanged himself after being repeatedly being picked on at school.
A number of laws aimed at eliminating bullying — including requirements that school districts report incidents to the state — have been passed since Daniel Scruggs killed himself. But local education officials acknowledge that fighting bullying has been a daunting task.
As students head back into Connecticut classrooms, another round of anti-bullying legislation, passed last year, has taken effect, with districts required to pay closer attention to complaints through more-thorough reporting and prompt parental notification." Read More
"Bullying has been a target of Connecticut educators and lawmakers since at least 2002, when a 12-year-old hanged himself after being repeatedly being picked on at school.
A number of laws aimed at eliminating bullying — including requirements that school districts report incidents to the state — have been passed since Daniel Scruggs killed himself. But local education officials acknowledge that fighting bullying has been a daunting task.
As students head back into Connecticut classrooms, another round of anti-bullying legislation, passed last year, has taken effect, with districts required to pay closer attention to complaints through more-thorough reporting and prompt parental notification." Read More
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