Effects of Social Media on Teens
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.
Virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair
ASK’s virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair will connect you to resources that support Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery; Mental Health and Opportunities for Thoughtful Service.
Click here to view the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair and download the application on your phone. You never know when you, a friend, neighbor or loved one may need this vital information and by having it readily available it truly may be the most important gift you have ever given yourself or shared.
Life is hard, let’s be prepared to take good care of ourselves and one another.
Facts About Fentanyl
“This is not a “Just Say No” conversation. This is “Just Say Know.” Most kids aren’t seeking fentanyl, they get it by accident. Just knowing that it is hidden in fake pills and other drugs empowers them and helps them stay safe. And it opens the door to conversations about healthier ways to deal with stress.” – Ed Ternan, bereaved Dad and President of Song for Charlie
Ask your kids what they’ve heard about fentanyl. If they mention specific information, is it accurate? Check the facts.
Explain that knowing about fentanyl helps people stay safe. Let your kids know that because fentanyl is so dangerous, the safest thing they can do is not use drugs. Even if your kids aren’t likely to use drugs, they could use this information to help a friend.
Cover the basics. Fentanyl is very common — and deadly. It’s used to make fake prescription pills that look like Adderall, OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs, but are much more dangerous.
Powdered drugs are also often laced with fentanyl. Fentanyl is usually hidden in other drugs, so people may not know they’re taking it. This raises their risk of an overdose.
Warn them about fake prescription pills. Urge your kids to only take pills that have been prescribed to them. Prescription pills bought online are often fakes made with fentanyl. Even a pill from a friend may not be safe.
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!
The John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.
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.
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.
Weekly Yoga for Resilience
Do you have a loved one struggling with addiction? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Carve out time for yourself so you may respond to your loved one with a clear mind and an open heart. Join us on Zoom and we will come together in a safe space to practice somatic mindfulness, grounding and centering, containment and breath regulation. For more information, click here.
March 20 – 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. Please join our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard on Zoom at 6:30pm. Register by email: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com
Student Assistance Services Corner
“Helping Students Enhance Their Well Being by Making Healthy Decisions and Remaining Substance Free”
A partnership between a parent/guardian and Student Assistance Counselor best supports the nurturing of the social and emotional wellbeing of students. We encourage you to contact the SAC at your child’s school for a confidential consultation. Click here to learn more.
Lakeland High School Sasha Meyer Porco, LMSW, CASAC smeyerporco@lakelandschools.org
Yorktown High School Kiara Loughran, MS sacounselor@yorktown.org
Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School Ms. Finan, MS lfinan@lakelandschools.org
See what we have been up to in the schools!
Upcoming Events
March 4 – Unpacking the Risks of Modern Marijuana Today’s marijuana is stronger and more dangerous than ever, posing serious risks to adolescent brain development and mental health. Join Operation Parent and Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, to learn more and be prepared to start essential conversations with the teens in your life. Register here.
March 10 – Powerful Words: Language to Build Children’s Self-Esteem Social media can create unrealistic expectations that leave young people feeling discouraged, empty, and depressed — and parents, caregivers, and educators need to know how to respond. Register here.
March 12 – Relationships, Family, and Mental Health The complicated nature of mental illnesses can make relationships challenging, and caregiver stress is common. Learn strategies to set boundaries, respond to difficult behavior, and manage your own stress. Register here.
March 26 – Understanding Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is an eating disorder characterized by very selective eating habits, a disturbance in eating patterns, or both. Learn practical tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones. Register here.
March 26 – Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder Body Dysmorphic Disorder is defined by negative self-image and misperceptions about appearance. Preoccupation with perceived flaws can result in anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Register 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.