Youth Substance Use Prevention
Did You Know?
Misperceptions about youth substance use are hidden risk factors.
Youth often over estimate the number of their peers who use alcohol and drugs. Youth who perceive the majority of their peers are using substances are more likely to use substances themselves. By focusing on the positive factors that already exist, we can create new norms. When most students believe that their peers do not drink or use drugs, it takes the pressure off of them, and they are more empowered to make safe and healthy choices.
#BeSmartDontStart and #YourLifeYourChoice challenge those misperceptions and create new, more accurate perceptions of youth substance use.
These Positive Community Norms Campaigns are designed to increase awareness and correct misperceived norms around youth substance use. We use data from the WA State Healthy Youth Survey to show there are positive norms that already exist in the community. For example, according to the 2021 WA State Healthy Youth Survey, 92% of 10th grade CHS students and 95% of 10th grade MSHS students did not vape in a typical month.
MORE INFORMATION
Follow these Campaigns on Instagram
What to Expect this Year
- Promotional giveaways
- Student focus groups and surveys
- Educational talks on substance use
- Staff and parent communication about campaigns
Why we Care
We have great kids in our community! We want to empower them to make safe and healthy choices.
Resources
To talk or text with someone:
- Teen Link: Helpline for Teens by Teens & Resources
- Crisis Connections: Helpline & Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Hotline
Facts and tips:
- Washington State Healthy Youth Survey
- Laced and Lethal: Learn About Fentanyl in King County
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol and Your Brain (a virtual reality experience)
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol’s Effects on Health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Resources for Middle School
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Rethinking Drinking
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Facts & Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Commonly Used Drug Charts
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: What is Addiction?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: What is the Worst Drug?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Can Drugs Help Me Deal with Depression and Anxiety?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: What Happens When Drugs Are Combined?
- Center of Disease Control: Fact Sheet on Underage Drinking
- Child Mind Institute: How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
UPCOMING FREE PROGRAMMING
Keri Phillips
Substance Use Prevention and Community Campaign Coordinator
UPCOMING FREE EVENTS
- October is National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month! Stay tuned for more details.
Keri Phillips
Substance Use Prevention and Community Campaign Coordinator
Keri is the Substance Use Prevention and Community Campaign Coordinator. Originally from California, she moved to Washington just after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication at California State University, Fullerton and instantly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. As a Snoqualmie Valley resident for nearly 20 years, a parent of two amazing kids and most recently earning a Masters in Teaching at WGU, she brings education, passion and experience to this role. She has always been dedicated to the mission and values of Empower Youth Network and is excited to be a part of the team.
She loves spending quality time with her husband and kids, walks with friends, local events, puzzles and board games.
Our Mission
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