WASHBURN COUNTY -- Over 80 percent of young people ages 10 to 18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision about whether or not to drink alcohol. Yet many parents do not have these important conversations. As part of our commitment to supporting local youth, the Prevention Team is pleased to announce new opportunities for parents and guardians to join us for Parents’ Night Out to learn more about the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign.
Working together, parents and caregivers will now have access to local resources, campaign materials and support aimed at equipping them with information, skills, and confidence to talk with youth about the risks of underage drinking and substance use.
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol continues to be the most widely misused substance among our nation’s young people. However, in recent years, other drugs, such as marijuana and prescription pain medication, have become increasingly prevalent among youth. Our community is no different.
“In Washburn County, the local data (YRBS, 2021) shows that 39% of High School students began drinking alcohol (more than a few sips) before age 13. Of the Washburn County High School students that use tobacco products (like smoking or vaping), 36% tried before age 13. Age 13 is 7th or 8th grade. The time to start talking to youth is in late elementary/early middle school.” said Kayla Woody, Drug Free Communities Specialist. “Our Parents’ Night Out and the ‘Talk. They Hear You.’® campaign will help to address these alarming statistics by enhancing our local effort to educate citizens on the risks and consequences of substance misuse. The information and materials available through the campaign will empower parents’ and caregivers’ commitment to talk with children about the risks of alcohol and other drugs.”
Parents’ Night Out will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 7-8pm at The Oak (402 Oak Street) Spooner, WI. Walk-ins are welcome. Refreshments will be provided; childcare will not.
SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign is a national media campaign with a host of useful resources for parents, including fact sheets, brochures, infographics, and public service announcements.
Historically, the campaign has equipped parents with the knowledge and skills to increase actions that reduce and prevent underage drinking. Recently, it has expanded its messaging to include other substances, such as marijuana and prescription drugs. The campaign now offers resources to assist parents in talking with young children about those other drugs.
For more information about Parents’ Night Out, “Talk. They Hear You.”®, and how parents and caregivers can help prevent underage drinking and other drug use, visit here. For local information regarding drug and alcohol misuse prevention and mental health awareness, go here or follow Healthy WashCo on Facebook at WashCo Prevention.
Last Update: May 31, 2024 11:48 am CDT
