Teen Resources
COVID-19
CDC Covid-19 Support for Teens and Young Adults
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/teens-young-adults-support/index.html
CDC has produced a page with resources for teens and young adults. The page includes support for managing stress during Covid-19 and education on how to stop the spread of Covid-19.
CDC Covid-19 Support for Teens and Young Adults
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/teens-young-adults-support/index.html
CDC has produced a page with resources for teens and young adults. The page includes support for managing stress during Covid-19 and education on how to stop the spread of Covid-19.
2nd Floor
https://www.2ndfloor.org/
Confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. We are here to help you find solutions to the problems that you face and we are available 24/7 365 days a year.
https://www.2ndfloor.org/
Confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. We are here to help you find solutions to the problems that you face and we are available 24/7 365 days a year.
Cape Atlantic ResourceNet
http://www.capeatlanticresourcenet.org/
Cape Atlantic ResourceNet is an on-line directory of Atlantic and Cape May Counties’ many valuable resources. It is for all community members to use as a way to locate resources geared toward youth up to age 21 and their families throughout their local communities.
http://www.capeatlanticresourcenet.org/
Cape Atlantic ResourceNet is an on-line directory of Atlantic and Cape May Counties’ many valuable resources. It is for all community members to use as a way to locate resources geared toward youth up to age 21 and their families throughout their local communities.
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) - Just Think Twice
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/
Get the facts about drugs, just think twice.
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/
Get the facts about drugs, just think twice.
The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsbility
https://www.responsibility.org/
https://www.responsibility.org/
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA for Teens)
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators
The trusted source for science-based information on teen drug use and its effects.
Find scientific facts about drugs, games, videos and more to empower teens with facts.
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators
The trusted source for science-based information on teen drug use and its effects.
Find scientific facts about drugs, games, videos and more to empower teens with facts.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available.
NJ’s Children’s System of Care - PerformCare
https://www.performcarenj.org/youth/index.aspx
PerformCare New Jersey is committed to helping youth and young adults gain access to the services they need. If you are under the age of 21 and looking for treatment or other services, check out these resources.
https://www.performcarenj.org/youth/index.aspx
PerformCare New Jersey is committed to helping youth and young adults gain access to the services they need. If you are under the age of 21 and looking for treatment or other services, check out these resources.
Operation Prevention
https://app.operationprevention.com/
Explore common misconceptions about opioids through the voices of teens.
https://app.operationprevention.com/
Explore common misconceptions about opioids through the voices of teens.
Pacer Center’s Teens Against Bullying
https://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Teens Against Bullying was created by and for teens, this website is a place for middle and high school students to find ways to address bullying, to take action, to be heard, and to own an important social cause.
https://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Teens Against Bullying was created by and for teens, this website is a place for middle and high school students to find ways to address bullying, to take action, to be heard, and to own an important social cause.
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM)
https://www.adolescenthealth.org/Resources/Resources-for-Adolescents-and-Parents.aspx
Resources for Adolescents and Parents are online resources aimed specifically at adolescents and young adults and their parents.
https://www.adolescenthealth.org/Resources/Resources-for-Adolescents-and-Parents.aspx
Resources for Adolescents and Parents are online resources aimed specifically at adolescents and young adults and their parents.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA)
https://www.samhsa.gov/young-adults
Resources for young adults.
https://www.samhsa.gov/young-adults
Resources for young adults.
Teen Health & Wellness
https://teenhealthandwellness.com/
Teen Health & Wellness provides middle and high school students with up-to-date, nonjudgmental, straightforward curricula, and self-help support. Articles are correlated to state, national, and provincial standards, including Common Core Health and Science. Topics covered include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide, bullying, LGBTQ issues, and more.
https://teenhealthandwellness.com/
Teen Health & Wellness provides middle and high school students with up-to-date, nonjudgmental, straightforward curricula, and self-help support. Articles are correlated to state, national, and provincial standards, including Common Core Health and Science. Topics covered include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide, bullying, LGBTQ issues, and more.
Refusal Skills
Wouldn’t it be nice if it was as easy as “JUST SAYING NO”? Many adults still struggle with saying no and will usually give reasons and have follow up conversations because saying no just doesn’t feel like enough. Saying yes may seem like the easier thing to do because it takes away that temporary temptation and/or pressure but can lead to regret and bad outcomes/decisions. While disappointing friends is always a concern, there are several ways to avoid giving into peer pressure.
MAKE AN EXCUSE/BLAME PARENT – Say you have something else to do or somewhere else to be. One of the easiest things to do is blame your parent, say they will punish you if you get caught or they are making you do something else.
SUGGEST DOING SOMETHING ELSE – Maybe going bowling, to the movies/boardwalk or to play mini golf will sound more appealing to others. You may have to get creative with different ideas to get friends to go along but parents will usually contribute to giving money and/or rides if they know you are doing a safe and fun activity.
MAKE JOKES – Jokes can divert the attention off of you and take some pressure off because it will lighten the mood.
GIVE REASONS – You can explain why you think it is a bad idea and what things you considered in making the decision. For instance, playing sports or having a family history of drug/alcohol misuse. Rather than wait for a why, just be upfront and give your reasons with your initial response.
BE FIRM/REPEAT IF NECESSARY - When you say no be firm and confident in that response so your decision is clear. If a person feels you are not confident, they will continue to try to persuade you. You may have to repeat yourself at different times/occasions as a reminder that you are not interested but don’t be discouraged by this and remain firm in your decision.
THANKS BUT NO THANKS – Be polite and thank them but let them know that you are not interested.
IGNORE SUGGESTION – Pretend that you didn’t hear what was suggested and quickly change the topic of the conversation.
POWER IN NUMBERS – It is easier when others are saying no too. Make a pact with a couple of friends to support each other in your decisions to say no. If you discuss this in advance, you will be better equipped when a situation arises.
CONCERN FOR OTHERS – Just like giving your own reasons, you can address concerns that you have for others. There are usually a lot of what ifs in making a decision and using these can help support your decision.
TAKE ACTION/LEAVE – Just walking away can be risky but sometimes it may be your best option. If you feel like using other refusal skills won’t work, you can always leave the conversation/situation to avoid making things worse.
MAKE AN EXCUSE/BLAME PARENT – Say you have something else to do or somewhere else to be. One of the easiest things to do is blame your parent, say they will punish you if you get caught or they are making you do something else.
SUGGEST DOING SOMETHING ELSE – Maybe going bowling, to the movies/boardwalk or to play mini golf will sound more appealing to others. You may have to get creative with different ideas to get friends to go along but parents will usually contribute to giving money and/or rides if they know you are doing a safe and fun activity.
MAKE JOKES – Jokes can divert the attention off of you and take some pressure off because it will lighten the mood.
GIVE REASONS – You can explain why you think it is a bad idea and what things you considered in making the decision. For instance, playing sports or having a family history of drug/alcohol misuse. Rather than wait for a why, just be upfront and give your reasons with your initial response.
BE FIRM/REPEAT IF NECESSARY - When you say no be firm and confident in that response so your decision is clear. If a person feels you are not confident, they will continue to try to persuade you. You may have to repeat yourself at different times/occasions as a reminder that you are not interested but don’t be discouraged by this and remain firm in your decision.
THANKS BUT NO THANKS – Be polite and thank them but let them know that you are not interested.
IGNORE SUGGESTION – Pretend that you didn’t hear what was suggested and quickly change the topic of the conversation.
POWER IN NUMBERS – It is easier when others are saying no too. Make a pact with a couple of friends to support each other in your decisions to say no. If you discuss this in advance, you will be better equipped when a situation arises.
CONCERN FOR OTHERS – Just like giving your own reasons, you can address concerns that you have for others. There are usually a lot of what ifs in making a decision and using these can help support your decision.
TAKE ACTION/LEAVE – Just walking away can be risky but sometimes it may be your best option. If you feel like using other refusal skills won’t work, you can always leave the conversation/situation to avoid making things worse.
Underage Drinking Facts for Teens
Consumption
- Alcohol is the most commonly used drug by youth in the United States.
- 12-20 year olds consume 11% of the alcohol in the US yearly.
- People who are underage are more likely to binge drink.
- Excessive drinking is linked to more than 4300 deaths annually.
Consequences/Risks
Our brains don't fully develop until we are 25 or older. Using alcohol at a young age can have long-lasting effects.
Some of the risks of underage drinking include:
- Social problems- fighting, lack of participation in activities
- Legal problems- getting arrested for drunk driving/fighting while drunk
- Physical problems- hangovers and alcohol related illnesses
Our brains don't fully develop until we are 25 or older. Using alcohol at a young age can have long-lasting effects.
Some of the risks of underage drinking include:
- Development of alcohol use disorders later in life.
- Can alter brain development, potentially affecting both brain structure and function.
- Can lead to cognitive issues and make the brain more prone to alcohol dependence.
- Youth who underage drink are more likely to experience:
- Social problems- fighting, lack of participation in activities
- Legal problems- getting arrested for drunk driving/fighting while drunk
- Physical problems- hangovers and alcohol related illnesses
- Disruption of normal growth and sexual development.
- Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
- Physical and sexual assault.
- Higher risk of committing suicide.
- Memory problems.
- Misuse of other drugs.
- Death from alcohol poisoning.
- Alcohol related car crashes and other injuries.
- There are many consequences of underage drinking, such as an increased risk of dependency later in life, school issues, social issues, legal issues, and more.
Public Health Problem
- Underage drinking leads to nearly 5,000 deaths annually and costs the economy an estimated $24 billion each year.
- There were approximately 190,000 emergency room visits by people under the age of 21 for injuries and other conditions caused by alcohol in 2010.
- More than 90% of the alcohol consumed by underage drinkers is consumed by binge drinking.
Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) of 21
- States that increased their legal drinking age to 21 saw a 16% decline in motor vehicle crashes.
- There is evidence that the MLDA of 21 protects drinkers from alcohol and other drug dependence, adverse birth outcomes, and suicide/homicide.
- The MLDA helps save lives, prevent motor vehicle crashes, and decreases underage drinking.
Don't Believe the Hype
- Many advertisements for alcohol show attractive people having fun and being happy but the truth is that alcohol is a depressant. Many people, including adults, tend to have reactions of anger and/or sadness when they drink.
NJ's Good Samaritan Law:
New Jersey's "Good Samaritan" law gives people immunity from arrest if they call 911 to report alcohol poisoning and/or a drug overdose, even if the person reporting used alcohol or drugs.
New Jersey's "Good Samaritan" law gives people immunity from arrest if they call 911 to report alcohol poisoning and/or a drug overdose, even if the person reporting used alcohol or drugs.