Red Ribbon Week Celebration October 23rd – 27th
Red Ribbon Week has grown into the most far-reaching and well-known drug prevention event in America. It began to honor a drug enforcement agent who was killed in 1985 while working undercover in Mexico. In response to his murder, friends and family wore red ribbons in memory of his crusade against illegal drug use in this country. Today, schools across the nation continue the tradition of wearing red ribbons to promote choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
In order to raise awareness, each school will be handing out ribbons to all students and faculty as well as participating in various activities throughout the week. School libraries will be setting up a Red Ribbon table with relevant books and each day's morning announcements we will include presentations about healthy choices.
On October 25, 2017 at 7pm, the Katonah-Lewisboro Prevention Coalition (KLPC) will be hosting a panel discussion at the JJMS Theater called Community Perspectives: Heroin/Opioid Use: Educating Ourselves and Protecting our Children. This is relevant to elementary parents as well as parents of middle and high school students, as research has proven that early prevention and intervention can have a tremendous impact on helping children remain drug-free. MORE INFO / REGISTRATION.
It is important to understand the connection between mental health and the increased risk for addiction. When issues like anxiety and depression are addressed early, the risk can be reduced. MORE.
Red Ribbon Week Tips for Parents
Drug prevention can start at any age. Talking with young children will look different than talking with a teenager. The earlier we begin a dialogue with our children about alcohol and other drugs the more comfortable they will be asking questions in the future. Family discussions are the best way to pass on our values and expectations. Below are some tips to get the conversation started.
Elementary School Students
- Explain how drugs can interfere with the way our bodies work and can make a person very sick or even cause them to die.
- There has been a lot of talk about “prescription drugs.” If your children ask about this, you may need to explain that medicines prescribed by a doctor and administered by a responsible adult may help during illness and are different from “drugs” that are misused and can become dangerous. Medicines taken the way the doctor suggests are OK.
They may ask:
Why would people want to put bad things in their bodies?
One answer might be that they might not realize how dangerous drugs can be.
Sometimes people start using a drug just to see what it feels like, but it can turn into an addiction (like cigarettes) and it's very hard to stop using it. Another answer may be that they are not taking care of themselves.
Why can't I taste that "grown up" drink?
A small amount of alcohol has a much greater negative effect on a child's body than on an adult's; even a small amount can sicken a child.
*Praise your children for taking good care of their bodies, making good choices and avoiding things that might harm them. Modeling healthy behavior is always more powerful than lecturing.
Middle / High School Students
The most important thing that parents can do is talk to their kids about alcohol and drugs- even if they feel unsure of what to say. If you try, your kids will get the message. The message is that you care about them, you know they are facing difficult decisions, and you will consistently be available when they need you. It is important to tell them directly what is important to you.
- Make sure you and your kids know the younger you are when you first try alcohol, the MORE LIKELY you are to get addicted.
- Clearly state your expectations about your children’s involvement with alcohol and other drugs. Set clear limits and consequences BEFORE a situation arises. If a situation occurs, do not demand a “confession.” Talk to your child about the behavior and express your concern. Then provide an appropriate consequence.
- Role model positive behaviors. If you drink, drink responsibly. Model healthy ways to deal with stress. Many teens may experiment out of curiosity or boredom, but then continue to use to cope with stress. Modeling healthy behaviors is more powerful than lecturing.