Parent

Network

Newsletter

May 2013

Hello SafeHomes Friends,

It is really hard to believe we are nearing the end of another school year! Since September we have, through the

Parent Network Newsletter, shared information on prescription drug abuse, social media safety tips, and medical

marijuana just to mention a few topics. We also included many parenting tips for you to take advantage of. Another

great accomplishment this year was the survey conducted of SafeHomes members. I would like to thank all of you

who took part in the survey and I would like to personally assure you that we listen to what you have to say! We

enjoyed reading all the positive comments, and are taking into consideration your suggestions for improvement. All

your comments were very much appreciated!

One of the surprising results of the survey was that our members are keeping the Parent Network Newsletter all to

themselves. I am glad that you like the newsletter and encourage you to share it if you think it has useful

information! After you have read this newsletter,

pass it along to friends, family and neighbors for

them to enjoy as well. The more people we can

reach with this important information, the safer

the environment is for our young people to grow.

Inside you will find more results from the survey.

Please continue to send in your comments and

suggestions because the success of this program

depends on you. SafeHomes is a program

designed for parents, by parents.

I would also like to thank all of the devoted

SafeHomes Representatives who did a great job

representing you at meetings and contributing to

the Parent Network Newsletter this year. If you

would like to thank your rep, but are not sure

who it is, ask your parent organization for their

name. We also have great staff who have helped

throughout the year and I would like to thank

Erica Boyce and Megan Kunecki for all of their

help and support. A big thank you also goes out

to the Jolly Boys of Williamsville for their

continued support of SafeHomes. And finally

thank you parents. You are the most important

part of the program! I look forward to

continuing our relationship for many years to

come.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Sally Yageric, CPP

SafeHomes Coordinator

Parent Programs Coordinator

Inside This Issue… Making A Difference 2

SafeHomes Member Survey Results 3

5 Ws of Talking to Your Kids About

Underage Drinking 4

Underage Drinking Stats 5

Dangerous Teen Trends To Watch For 6

First Time Substance Use Peaks During the

Summer 7

Aside From Alcohol and Marijuana, Synthetic Marijuana is the Most Widely Abused Drug 7

Consequences of High-Risk College Drinking 8

Color Me Rad 9

Permanent RX Drug Drop-Off Boxes 10

Jolly Boys Annual Golf Tournament 11

2

MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Jolly Boys of Williamsville Help Support Educational Efforts in the Town of Amherst

The Jolly Boys of Williamsville announced their support of local educational efforts in the Town of Amherst. The

Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ECCPASA) will be receiving a generous

grant from them to serve youth in the Town of Amherst. This grant will help support the implementation of

essential social skills programming in the seven catholic schools in Amherst, servicing students in Kindergarten

through 6th grade.

The grant will also help fund the re-creation of the “Student Survival Kit.” The kit is a tool-box of sorts that helps

prepare youth entering middle school by providing them with the knowledge and skills to enter a new school

successfully and confidently.

Thank you Jolly Boys for your generous support once again!

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill out our SafeHomes member survey either online of via

mail! We received valuable opinions and information and will try our best to incorporate all members’ feedback.

Some topics that were suggested for future issues of the newsletter include:

Keep an eye out for these featured articles in upcoming issues! If you have a topic you

would like to see covered in the newsletter, do not hesitate to contact Sally at

Sally@eccpasa.org.

Your Support Was Greatly Appreciated on the SafeHomes Member Surveys!

Parenting tips

Local drug trends

Communication

techniques

Texting etiquette

Supervising technology

usage

Goal setting

GPS family tracking

Bullying

Resources for youth

with substance abuse

issues

Energy drinks

Domestic violence

3

SAFEHOMES MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS

The newsletter topics SHM

FIND MOST USEFUL:

parenting tips

current drug trends

communication skills

technology safety

MOST SHM* who took the survey report already having a curfew in place

for their child

Of those who took the survey

online, 71% said they have a set

bed time for their child.

Over 75% of survey participants report knowing the correct way to

safely depose of prescription drugs. (see page

10 for permanent drop-off sites)

ALMOST ALL survey participants support a “no use” policy. That is, no one under the legal

age should use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Over 86% of participants who took the survey online believe that energy

drinks are harmful to their child.

More than 72% sur-vey participants of re-port meeting their child’s friends’ parents.

MOST parents of took the survey said

they attend their child’s school

activities.

A MAJORITY of

SHM survey participants eat dinner with their child on average, between 5-7

times a week.

MOST POPULAR TOPICS SHM survey participants report talking to their child about: underage drinking and

“street smarts.”

* SafeHomes Members

4

5 WS OF TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT UNDERAGE DRINKING

WHO: All parents, and any adult with an interest in the well-being of

youth, need to talk to kids about underage drinking. Even if your child doesn’t drink, research shows that your child can be negatively influenced by peer use of alcohol.

WHAT: TALK to your children about the dangers of alcohol use. Know

you are not alone - there are many resources that can assist you with having this conversation.

WHERE: TALK in your home, during meals, in the car, at the game.

Always keep the lines of communication open.

WHEN: The younger you begin the conversation, the less likely your

child will choose to drink.

WHY: Parents remain the single greatest influence over their children’s

behavior. Alcohol affects the mind and body in often unpredictable ways. Teens lack the judgment and coping skills to handle alcohol wisely. This can lead to problems at school, and your child being more likely to be involved in violent crime, sexual assault, traffic-related crashes, and robbery.

Taken directly from: NYS OASAS, www.oasas.state.ny.us

5

Most kids who consume alcohol

do so in their own home or in

the home of a friend.

One out of three 13-year-olds in

New York State has tried alcohol.

Nearly 52% of New York State

students in grades 7-12 reported

their parents had never talked to

them about the dangers of under-

age drinking.

Research suggests that kids whose

parents talk to them about under-

age drinking and drug use are up

to 50% less likely to use.

Underage

Drinking Stats

FBI COMES TO SPEAK ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY TO SAFEHOMES REPRESENTATIVES

Supervisory Special Agent, Jason R. Jarnagin and Special Agent, James J. Markovich, of the FBI came to the

SafeHomes Representatives Meeting this month to discuss Online Safety. They shared stories of recent child

predator cases and also led a discussion on how parents can keep their children from becoming victims of online

predators.

Special Agent Jarnagin and Special Agent Markovich advised parents that the best way to know what your child is

doing on his/her smartphone, iPod, iPad, Kindle, or other “smart” device is to get to know how to work the device

as well or better than your child can. They also warned parents to do the research and find out all the capabilities

these devices have before putting them in your child’s hands.

Some tips for parents when talking to your child about technology usage:

Advise your child to always know who they are talking to

Tell your child to never accept a friend request or talk back and forth with someone he/she doesn’t know and

has never met in person before.

Caution your child that if someone is persistently contacting him/her, and especially if the person is saying in-

appropriate things, to tell an adult immediately.

If you would like the FBI to come and speak to parents at your child’s school please contact them at 856-7800.

6 DANGEROUS TEEN TRENDS TO WATCH FOR

Salt and Ice

What it is: Participants pour salt on a part of their body, usually

their hand, or arm, and then hold on ice cube over it. It burns the

skin. The object of the

“challenge” is to see who has the

highest pain tolerance depending

on who can keep the ice on for

longest.

Why it’s dangerous: It can cause

second and third degree burns!

ChatRoulette.com

What it is: A website where people can go on and video chat

with random strangers of all ages 24 hours a day.

Why it’s dangerous:

Your teen could be chat-

ting with absolutely any-

one and possibly reveal

personal details such as

full name, their location, or other personal details. It is also com-

mon for participants on this site to be naked and/or committing

other lewd acts.

Spice/K2

What it is: Synthetic marijua-

na. Yes, we are still talking

about it, because it is still a

problem (see graph on next

page). Spice or K2 are a blend of

herbs sprayed with synthetic

chemicals created to have simi-

lar effects as marijuana.

Why it’s dangerous: The effects on the user are often much

more severe than side effects from regular marijuana.

Cinnamon Challenge

What it is: The challenge is to eat 1

tablespoon of cinnamon without water

in under 60 seconds.

Why it’s dangerous: It seems harmless, it’s just cinnamon,

right? BUT, it’s not! Less harmful consequences include

coughing, nosebleeds, vomiting, and choking. More severe

effects have included difficulty breathing, inflamed and/or scar-

ring on the lungs. Some teens have even experienced collapsed

lungs and have ended up on ventilators in the hospital.

Drinking Hand Sanitizer

What it is: People of all ages have taken

to drinking hand sanitizer for a cheap and

legal (if under the age of 21) way to get

drunk. Sometimes users will mix the sani-

tizer with salt so that the alcohol sepa-

rates, leaving the user with even higher

alcohol content.

Why it’s dangerous: Anyone under the

age of 21 shouldn’t be consuming any

amount of alcohol. Drinking hand sanitizer is dangerous for all

ages because the alcohol content is extremely high, about 120-

proof (vodka is around 80-proof).

Purple Drank

What it is: A dangerous concoction of Sprite, Jolly Ranchers,

and codeine cough syrup. It has been made popular by many rap-

pers/artist in the hip-hop music world.

Why it’s dangerous: Codeine

is a controlled medication with

strong side effects. Dosages of

the codeine in these drinks can

often be very high. Effects of

this drink can include unre-

sponsiveness, lethargy, halluci-

nations, and a slow-motion or

zombie-like feeling.

7

ASIDE FROM ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA, SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA IS THE MOST WIDELY ABUSED DRUG...

CESAR FAX, April 26, 2013, Vol. 22, Issue 17

FIRST-TIME SUBSTANCE USE PEAKS DURING THE SUMMER

If you are the parent of a teen, or even a tween, it is

important to note that first-time use of a substance

dramatically increases during the summer months.

First time use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco products,

and hallucinogens

peaks during June

and July. In fact,

thousands more

youth try them each

day during those two

months compared to

any other month.

The summer pro-

vides young people

with more free time

(since they are not in

school) and less su-

pervised time (parents usually work). This is oppor-

tune time for them to experiment. On an average day

in June or July, the National Survey on Drug Use and

Health found that 11,000 teens aged 12 to 17 tried al-

cohol for the first time, compared with averages of

about 5,000-8,000 during other months. First time use

of cigarettes and/or marijuana also increased from

about 3,000-4,000 first time uses in months other than

June and July to about 5,000 first

time uses during those two sum-

mer months.

While it may be more difficult to

supervise your tween or teen dur-

ing those long summer days, this

research shows that is it impera-

tive. Studies have shown that the

earlier the onset of use of alcohol

and other drugs, the more likely

there will be addiction and other

substances-related problems. For

more information about substance

or tips on how to delay onset of use, contact Sally at

ECCPASA 831.2298.

Source: WebMD.com

8 CONSEQUENCES OF HIGH-RISK COLLEGE DRINKING

Clip and Post - Your Child’s Social Media Login Info

Facebook: Login:________________________ Password:___________________________

Twitter: Login:________________________ Password:___________________________

Instagram: Login:________________________ Password:___________________________

OoVoo: Login:________________________ Password:___________________________

YouTube: Login:________________________ Password:___________________________

Others:

Site name: _________________ Login: ____________________ Password: _____________

Site name: _________________ Login: ____________________ Password: _____________

As your senior graduates from high school this June and prepares to

leave for college and the end of the summer, it is important you talk to

your son or daughter about the increased risks of college drinking.

Evidence shows that the first six weeks of their first semester are most

critical to a first-year student’s academic success. Many students begin

drinking heavily during these early weeks of college and therefore have

increased risks.

How Parents Can Help:

Stay involved in your child’s life even if they are out of town or even out

of state! Inquire about campus alcohol policies, call your child frequently

to check in, and ask about roommates and living arrangements.

Also, discuss the penalties of underage drinking with your son or daugh-

ter as well as the possible consequences such as date rape, violence, and

academic failure.

For more information visit: www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov

9

COLOR ME RAD

The Erie County Council for

the Prevention of Alcohol

and Substance Abuse

(ECCPASA) is a charity

sponsor of the Color Me

Rad, 5K Fun Run that will

be held on June 22, 2013 at

Darien Lake.

As one of the charity

sponsors, ECCPASA will

receive a portion of your

registration fee as a

donation. We will only

receive the donation IF

you register using the

p r o m o t i o n c o d e

BUFFALO.

Color Me Rad is a “fun run”

for all ages and athletic

abilities. You do not need to

be a runner to participate.

The race is not timed and

done just for fun!

All ages are invited to

participate, so it is a great

activity to do as a family.

For more information you

can visit ColorMeRad.com

or contact Megan at

ECCPASA at 716.831.2298

or megan@eccpasa.org.

10

The Erie County Sheriff ’s Office is set to install 10 permanent prescription pill drop-off boxes

throughout Erie County. These drop-off locations will be available 24/7 and are “no questions

asked.” This is a great way to safely get rid of prescription drugs and do your part to stop pre-

scription drug abuse.

PERMANENT Prescription Drug Drop Off Boxes

Alden Town Hall - 3312 Wende Road, Alden

Canisius College - 2001 Main Street, Buffalo

Colden Town Hall - 8812 State Road, Colden

ECC City Campus - 121 Ellicott Street, Buffalo

ECC North Campus - 6205 Main Street, Williamsville

ECC South Campus - 4041 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park

Elma Town Hall - 1600 Bowen Road, Elma

Grand Island Town Hall - 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island

Medaille College - 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo

Springville Town Hall - 86 Franklin Street, Springville

11

JOLLY BOYS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

...to benefit substance abuse awareness programs

Monday, August 12, 2013

Arrowhead Golf Club

10:30 am Shotgun Start

Lunch at the turn

Prizes, Auctions, Raffles and a Buffet Dinner

HELP TO CONTINUE THE SUCCESS

OF THIS EVENT:

1. Tee Sponsorship

$140/hole

2. Raffle/Prize Donation

$25 value requested

3. Participate

$95/individual

$450/team of 4 (includes tee sponsorship)

TO REGISTER VISIT:

www.edyoungs.com/ohd/jollyboysgolf.htm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

June 20, 2013

SafeHomes

Erie County Council for the

Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

1625 Hertel Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14216

Or Current Resident

ECCPASA

1625 Hertel Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14216

Comments or suggestions

for the newsletter call

716.831.2298

E-mail: Sally@eccpasa.org