Teenthinking.org, a resource for parents

Looking for a great resource for ideas on how to talk to your teen about not drinking?  Check out www.TeenThinking.org.  This website is funded by Reno County Communities That Care Coalition, as well as the other coalitions funded by the Kansas SPF-SIG Grant.

The website provides a one-stop resource, which can help answer parents’ questions on how to talk to their teen about the dangers of underage drinking.

TeenThinking.org provides conversation starters, facts and statistics, general stress management for teens, and warning signs of a teen who may be drinking.

The CTC staff encourages everyone to take a few minutes to check out this helpful website.  Remember to teach our teens to think, not drink.

prom, graduation a time for awareness

With the celebration season upon us, the Communities That Care Staff would just like to remind everyone to have a safe and happy end of the school year.

Unfortunately, during this time of celebration, many parents and adults are making the choice to provide alcohol to minors.  Please be sure that if your student is attending a party, that you know the circumstances for supervision.

Here are some ways you can help make this spring fun and safe:

-Know who’s throwing the party, and if there will be alcohol provided.

-Make sure your young person has a strong stance on abstaining from substance abuse before they attend any parties.

-Host an alcohol-free party at your home that you know is safe and well-monitored.

-If you hear of a party where underage drinking is taking place: please call the anonymous hotline, listed below.

 1-866-MUST-B-21

Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) is an evidence-based prevention program that utilizes community-organizing strategies designed to reduce adolescent (13-20 years old) access to alcohol by changing community policies and practices.

CMCA encourages community members to become actively involved in changing public policies and the practices of law enforcement and other community organizations.  The primary program goal is to limit adolescents' access to alcohol by communicating that underage drinking is unacceptable in the community.  Communities can target a variety of policies, programs and practices for change.  Some common changes include:

Limiting the number of stores or bars that sell alcohol to young people

Changing alcohol policies at community events

Increasing enforcement of underage drinking laws

Increasing media coverage of alcohol-related issues