News & Updates

  • Back to School Tips for Parents and Caregivers

    03/14/2017

    Just like adults, students of all ages can experience a range of emotions when the school year begins. Going back to school can be a time of excitement as students look forward to being with their friends and all the activities and opportunities that school brings. It can be a time of sadness, knowing that the freedom of summer has come to an end. And it can be a time of anxiety, wondering, “

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  • New Toolkit for Preventing Underage Marijuana Use

    03/14/2017

    Are you waiting for your kids to talk to you about marijuana? Now that marijuana is legal in Washington for those who are 21 and older, it's more important than ever for parents to talk with their kids about not using marijuana. A new toolkit, Preventing Underage Marijuana Use, is now available for educating middle and high-school aged youth and their parents about the health and safety risks

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  • Teens + Alcohol + Cars = A Deadly Mixture

    03/14/2017

    This holiday season, when family celebrations may include alcohol, talk about the risks of underage drinking with your children and teens. Talk early, talk often, and let them know that most of their friends are making healthy and safe choices. The following article from a parent reminds us that the time to talk and act is now. By Joe Pallitto It was a long day and we all went to bed

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  • Summer begins 100 deadliest days for teen drivers

    03/14/2017

    Driver impairment is the leading contributor in most teen driving fatalities Summer is fast approaching and teens will soon be out of school, car keys in hand, and looking forward to a little summertime fun. With a little more freedom and increased opportunities for teens to get behind the wheel, parents need to be extra vigilant as we enter the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. The months

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  • Practice talking to your kids with new mobile app

    03/14/2017

    Prepare for one of the most important conversations you may ever have with your kids about underage drinking (or other drug use). SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” app is available on desktop computers and on the go from the App Store, Google Play™, the Windows® Store, and Windows® Phone Store. Watch this quick video to see how the app works (Video: 1:01).

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  • Doctor has important message for parents about teens and marijuana

    03/14/2017

    Dr. Leslie Walker with Seattle Children's hospital recently recorded a video message for parents about marijuana, teens and addiction. Hear what she has to say about the real impacts of marijuana on teens, and what parents can do.

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  • Talking with Your Teens About Washington's New Marijuana Laws

    03/14/2017

    You've talked with your teens about the health, safety and legal consequences of underage drinking, but what about marijuana? Before you talk with your teens, do you know the facts about the effects on teen health? Do you know how to talk with your teen, what to do and how to help if your teen is already using marijuana? Are you clear on what the new laws are for Washington? Two new

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  • Set clear rules about alcohol as your teen heads back to school

    03/14/2017

    As your teen begins a new school year, they will be exposed to exciting new experiences and increased independence. The choices they make now – such as making new friends, trying out for the team, joining a club, or planning for life after high school—will have an impact on their future. So will the decision whether or not to use alcohol. Before you say “Kids will be kids,” or “I drank alcohol

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