Ways to Reach Students Effectively
Episode Summary: The good and the bad of current drug education programs in school, including the problems with information-based programs, the value of getting input from students, and the priorities used when deciding on which program to adopt.
They explore the impact of school culture and policies, as well as kids’ emotional and social experiences, on the desirability of mood-altering chemicals and behaviors, the reason to shift the focus away from the drugs themselves to the relationship kids have with the substances, and the importance of adults approaching these issues with teens with honesty, validation, clarity, compassion, and authenticity. Right-click on this link to download a copy of this mp3 file to your hard drive, or click on the bar below to listen.
See below for related links and resources.
Jeff Wolfsberg
Author, Activist, and Drug Education Specialist
Jeff Wolfsberg is an internationally recognized expert on the prevention and early intervention of teen alcohol and other drug use. He has worked throughout the United States and in over 20 countries conducting programs for secondary schools, colleges, and communities.
Jeff has dedicated his professional life to easing the suffering of those teens and families struggling with the harms associated with alcohol abuse, drugs, and addiction. He has appeared as an on air expert for ABC’s The View, NBC’s The Today Show, FOX News, National Public Radio, and MSNBC. Jeff is considered a powerful advocate for student rights and safety and the advocacy of drug education programs in schools.
This program was recorded on May 23, 2012. The content is also available on the Energize Students Web site.
© 2012, Dr. Jane Bluestein, Father Sky Media.
Related links:
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Related links:
“Beautiful Brains,” National Geographic article on why teens act the way they do.
“12 Ways to be an Effective Mentor,” by Dr. Jane Bluestein.
The Perfection Deception, by Dr. Jane Bluestein. The risks and dangers of perfectionism to physical, emotional, and interactive wellness.
“Bearing Witness: Support for Children in Crisis,” excerpt from Creating Emotionally Safe Schools by Dr. Jane Bluestein.
“Characteristics of Children at Risk,” characteristics of children (and adults) who are at risk for destructive, compulsive and/or addictive behavior patterns, adapted from Creating Emotionally Safe Schools by Dr. Jane Bluestein.
Drug Abuse, Tobacco, & Alcoholism Resources
National Institute of Drug Abuse. Includes research information about the effects of drug abuse on the brain and interactive activities to help kids learn more about various drugs and how they affect how the brain works.
The Science Behind Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens Web site with facts, videos, blogs, brain games, and other resources for young people, along with tools for parents and teachers.
TeensHealth. Articles on tobacco, alcohol, drugs, getting help for teens, with resources for kids and parents as well.
“Facts for Families: Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs,” article on the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website.
The Fix. “Addiction Recovery Straight Up.” The Fix is a daily website about addiction and recovery that launched in March 2011. Includes links to news, arts and culture, features, health, photos, ask an expert, sober living, and rehab reviews.
S.A.F.E. (Self-Abuse Finally Ends). Network and educational resource base committed to helping kids achieve an end to self- injurious behavior (any form of self-mutilation or deliberate self-harm).
The Truth. The truth about Big Tobacco, smoking and tobacco-related issues,
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The U.S.’s largest nongrovernment initiative to protect children from tobacco addiction.
Alateen. Part of Al-Anon, Alateen helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with a problem-drinking relative or friend,
Narcotics Anonymous. An international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts.
Alcoholics Anonymous. A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Eating Disorders, Food, and Body-Image Resources
The Body Positive. Teaches young people to creatively transform the conditions in their lives that shape their body image and relationship to food.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Seeks to alleviate the problems of eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Resource center for information about eating disorders and resources and facilities for treatment.
Overeaters Anonymous. Offers a program of recovery from compulsive overeating within a fellowship of experience, strength and hope. OA addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, not just weight-loss, obesity or diets.
National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Dedicated to eliminating discrimination based on body size and to improving the quality of life for fat people.
American Dietetic Association. The US’s largest organization of food and nutritional professionals, ADA promotes optimal nutrition, health and well-being.
Suicide, Anxiety, and Mental Health Resources
National Hospital for Kids in Crisis. Offers a wide range of community and residential services, free-standing psychiatric children’s hospital, juvenile justice programs and specialized foster care, to give hope, help and healing to children facing crisis.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Exclusively dedicated to funding research, developing prevention initiatives and offering educational programs and conferences for survivors, mental health professionals and the public.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Promotes early diagnosis, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders and is committed to improving the lives of people who suffer from them.
Covenant House Resources and support for homeless youth focusing primarily on homeless youth (runaways and abandoned kids), with help for young people who are suicidal. Will help you find a crisis center nearest you. 1-800-999-9999.
Also:
List of Spectrum podcasts by guest
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About Dr. Jane Bluestein
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