The Suffolk County Police Department has joined forces with the U.S. Army to share a special presentation on Heroin and Anti-Bullying, tonight at the Nesconset Public Library. This event is appropriate for teenagers 15 and older and parents who wish to stay informed and learn how to communicate with one another. The presentation will begin at 5 PM and run approximately two hours long, ending at 7 PM.
Teaching Young People About Anti-Bullying
We live in a society, where we can hide behind a computer screen and hurt a person with just a few keystrokes. The cyber-bullying epidemic is something that affects over 70% of the nation’s teenagers and adults alike. Approximately 73% of teenagers have witnessed cyberbullying. While bullying can affect any young person, specific traits and circumstances can put specific young people at high risk. Openly gay and lesbian teens are at a heightened risk, along with transgender teens. Young people with handicaps or disabilities are also commonly targeted. Parents must teach tolerance at home, in order to combat the inhumane bullying that goes on online or in school.
Kindness is Contagious… Teach your children to intervene peacefully if they bare witness to bullying. Many of their peers will begin to follow the lead of one positive role model. Encourage your kids to do something nice for another teenager who doesn’t quite fit in at school. Teaching tolerance and acceptance, will help both the self esteem of the young person being bullied and your own child alike.
Heroin Abuse Facts:
Suffolk County had a total of 38 deaths caused by Heroin overdose in 2010. That number has skyrocket to 103 deaths in 2015. While awareness of Heroin abuse has improved within the community, the number of heroin overdose deaths have tripled in Suffolk County over the course of the last five years.
Why it’s getting worse:
The statewide crackdown on prescription painkillers, created an unintended spike in teenagers using the cheaper and more accessible drug, heroin. Prior to new restrictions and substance abuse laws, teenagers would start out abusing painkillers, making their way to Heroin later on. Now, teens are starting off abusing Heroin, because it is easier to get their hands on, cheaper and the high is stronger and lasts longer.
High Risk Factors for Teen Drug Abuse Can Include:
- Family History of substance abuse
- Occurrence of traumatic event such as loss of family member, sexual abuse or a severe accident
- Behavioral health conditions: ADD/ADHD, depression, eating disorders or general stress disorders
- Aggressive/impulsive behavior
- Social rejection or poor social coping ability
- Desire to fit in with friends who abuse drugs
- Lack of support at home
The Nesconset Public Library is located at 148 Smithtown Blvd