Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
Source: Newport Academy
How does social media affect teenagers? Like any form of technology, social media has both an upside and a downside. And when it comes to the social media effects on teens, there are significant pros and cons to take into account.
On the plus side, platforms like TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat can be lifesavers for teens who feel isolated or marginalized, particularly LGBTQ teens. In addition, social media helped teens feel more connected and not as lonely during the pandemic.
But the impact of social media on youth can also be significantly detrimental to mental health. In particular, social media and teen depression are closely linked. Furthermore, overuse of the apps exposes teens to cyberbullying, body image issues, and tech addiction, and results in less time spent doing healthy, real-world activities. And while the majority of parents believe they know what their child is posting on social media, according to a Pew Research poll, a survey of teens found that 70 percent of them are hiding their online behavior from their parents. Read more.
Fentanyl poisoning & counterfeit pills
Source: DrugFree.org
According to the CDC, deaths from fentanyl poisoning are fastest growing among 14- to 23-year-olds. The presence of fentanyl both in counterfeit pills and in illicit street drugs poses a grave threat to the safety of teens and adults alike. Read more.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!
Yorktown Leos Club
Leadership, Experience, Opportunity! The Yorktown Leos are a community service club for people ages 12-25 willing to help others in the community. They host and participate in a variety of fun and collaborative events. The Yorktown Leos Club has been helping the Yorktown community for over 25 years and to learn how to get involved, click here.
Stop the Stigma
Susan Salomone, MS, CASAC, Founder Drug Crisis in our Backyard
“Culturally we need to change our thinking about substance use. We cannot promote use of substances like alcohol and marijuana at the expense of those that will get addicted. With all the scientific evidence now available to define this as a disease, we as a society need to breakdown the prejudice that makes those suffering with the disease feel less than, not worthy, second-class citizens. Anyone who has lived with addiction knows first-hand that the self-guilt and doubt are overwhelming barriers in trying to battle this disease. It is a disease of self-incrimination and as an organization we are committed to stopping the stigma by talking, walking, advertising and writing about it.”
March 2 – Invitation to Change Workshop with CRAFT Strategies
CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) presented by Center for Motivation and Change and Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Learn tools that can give you hope, help a loved one move away from substance use and apply better techniques to help you take care of yourself. Excellent workshop for anyone hoping to influence change in a loved one’s behavior. Register here.
Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups
From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.
March 21 – Virtual Naloxone Training
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Register by email: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com
Upcoming Events
March 6 – Adolescents, Sports Betting, & Gaming: How much is too much?
While many teens are involved in online games and 60% of high school students have gambled (primarily through sports betting), parents and caregivers are often unaware of the possible dangers. This presentation will help parents and other caring adults understand the scope of adolescent involvement in sports betting and gaming and the social and emotional impact on middle and high school aged students. Register here.
March 20 – Understanding Cutting and Self-Harm
Explore what self-harm is and is not, why people purposely hurt themselves, and the symptoms to look for. Register here.
March 25 – Moving from Childhood to Preteen: How to Support Big Changes
The transition to middle school can be a time of mixed emotions for kids as they navigate the excitement & fear of big changes. Discuss the changes preteens encounter (physical, social, emotional) and how we can support kids as they navigate new social connections, a new school environment, and new academic challenges. Gain tips to maintain open communication and work collaboratively in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist. Part 1 of a 2-part series. Register here.
March 26 – Is Your Child at Risk for Addiction? How to Know and What to Do
If you’re a parent, you know that a lot has changed since you were a kid. Operation Parent is presenting a two-part series on adolescent substance use. In this first part, you will hear about the latest trends in tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. You will also learn the science behind the adolescent brain to gain a better understanding of the behaviors you may be seeing and to prevent future problems. Register here.
The Parent Support Network
The Parent Support Network is a program of Mental Health America that seeks to provide support for parents and guardians who are concerned about the mental health of their children (ages 1 -25) through confidential, peer-to-peer meetings. For a list of upcoming virtual meetings, click here.
NAMI Westchester
The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.
Westchester Breathes is an ongoing program offered by the Westchester Library System offering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. These exercises are simple and evidence-based – which is to say …they work! They are free and on Zoom. Register here.