# data[].attributes.body
Last year at PHS, I heard that drinking rates among youth have gone down. At first, this excited me!  But then I started to think about what that really meant.  The study didn't claim that the students are living more sober lives, but simply that they are drinking less alcohol.  What is this being replaced with?  I don't know if this is better or worse, but all around more scary because I feel that alcohol is fairly well understood (i.e. the effects, long term use, etc.)  Of course it is quite possible to drink too much, but it seems generally easier to gauge and be able to know your limit.  High schools and colleges even have you find out things like your BMI to know your limit - what is the equivalent of this for the numerous other drugs?  We can't force them not to do drugs, but can definitely educate them!

# data[].attributes.headline
It is both shocking and scary to see how accessible drugs are to minors.  Altering consciousness in order to "fit in" is becoming more and more common. Simply saying it's wrong is not enough. How can we teach/ give youth creative outlets that provide similar results that do not include drugs or alcohol?  

# data[].attributes.subject
It is both shocking and scary to see how accessible drugs are to minors.  Altering consciousness in order to "fit in" is becoming more and more common. Simply saying it's wrong is not enough. How can we teach/ give youth creative outlets that provide similar results that do not include drugs or alcohol?  

# data[].attributes.body
-Kylie

# data[].attributes.body
I find it rather overwhelming given the breadth & depth of the info presented. I am more concerned than ever as the parent of a 13 year old girl in the modern era. Need more time to process & digest this information.

# data[].attributes.body
for me this information arms me with info to help our students identify the things that get in their way of success. i believe it is what we do all day long.

# data[].attributes.headline
I have a hard time relating and understanding.

# data[].attributes.subject
I have a hard time relating and understanding.

# data[].attributes.body
I look at all of this not only as a teacher but also as a parent, and consequently consider the parents of my students as well. I want to express my care not only as teachers express care towards their students in general, but also the COURAGE (root- French- le couer- the heart) to face tough conversations and confrontations with my students and with my own children as well.

# data[].attributes.body
Disturbing and overwhelming and depressing.

# data[].attributes.headline
KB I was most amazed by the link to the mental illness gene by ingesting THC. I have one child with Bipolar and depression and she has been using a multitude of drugs for years. The assumption by this side of the fam is that THC is safer than other drugs and I want them to know the dangers and not sure if I can be a catalyst of change for them, and their children with the information-as well as my students. (Stream of Conscience) The information is overwhelming. Our students NEED to hear Lynns presentation THIS year!

# data[].attributes.subject
KB I was most amazed by the link to the mental illness gene by ingesting THC. I have one child with Bipolar and depression and she has been using a multitude of drugs for years. The assumption by this side of the fam is that THC is safer than other drugs and I want them to know the dangers and not sure if I can be a catalyst of change for them, and their children with the information-as well as my students. (Stream of Conscience) The information is overwhelming. Our students NEED to hear Lynns presentation THIS year!

# data[].attributes.body
There is very little we as educators can do to stop the drug use/trends we just learned about.
A good question for us to consider is What will quantifiably make the biggest difference to the widest possible population? In other words...what can we actually control in this crazy world/society/school environment? As a school staff we must find a cohesive approach that has a focus on a safe and healthy learning environment while emphasizing the importance of good decision making.

# data[].attributes.body
Knowing what we know about the drug trends, will we be paranoid or aware?  And with this awareness, what do we do to protect, educate and intervene?  We can think up consequences if students are caught with drugs, but what is the next helping step?  What can we do to empower students to make healthy and positive decisions?

# data[].attributes.body
Humans want to alter their consciousness. How do we help others assess the level of risk they are willing to take?

# data[].attributes.body
Still trying to take it all in...

# data[].attributes.body
I grew up in an age of scaring kids straight. I think information and facts go a lot further than trying to frighten people away from doing things that will hurt them. As scary as it is, knowing is better than not.

# data[].attributes.headline
The information on all the different devices was eye opening

# data[].attributes.subject
The information on all the different devices was eye opening

# data[].attributes.body
The ease at which the drugs can be taken is very scary. I am glad that I don't see many kids as out of it as Lynn described some students to be. How much of the synthetic shit are they taking? I WANT HER TO TALK TO THE KIDS!!!!!!!

# data[].attributes.body
Drugs are very available to kids and marketed for young populations. Resources in our area to help with drug abuse and addiction are limited.

What drives kids to use drugs? Risk-taking behavior?  “escaping reality?”  Anxiety? Depression?  Boredom?  Peer pressure? Relationships?

What can we do as educators beyond education and awareness of the consequences? What types of education are most effective?  Are there research-based strategies that can be implemented?

What are some outlets that can keep kids from feeling the need to experiment with drugs?

# data[].attributes.body
Obviously vaping and marijuana use is high in our population but I wonder how many of our students use or are exposed to the "dietary supplement" drugs and opioids.

# data[].attributes.body
Terrifying! My reaction to this could best be summed up as a dump of stress-induced stomach acid into my system. I worry because my own child is in 7th grade and I want to understand how to best guide him through healthy decisions while he resists every word I say because puberty. I'm also understanding that I cannot trust anything my students have in their possession. Pens, meds, bottles, etc. How do I guard against my already natural inclination toward suspicion? Or is my suspicion actually healthy for our kids because I can better identify unhealthy behaviors? More questions than answers for sure.