These printable handouts are available now by saving from this post and printing them yourself, or contacting raysacorg@gmail.com with a request to have them printed and delivered to you, absolutely free. Help us get the word out about this rising trend in illicit and counterfeit painkillers and other fake drugs.
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]RAYSAC, in partnership with the Western Virginia Water Authority, Franklin County FRESH Coalition, and the Prevention Council of Roanoke County, are proud to present two new commercials coming to a television, phone, or tablet near you!
Look out for our new series of commercials below, promoting the use of medication drop boxes and proper disposal of medications, and featuring professional fisherman John Crews. RAYSAC is proud to partner with the Western Virginia Water Authority, Franklin County FRESH, and the Prevention Council of Roanoke County through funding provided by the Virginia Enviromental Endowment to encourage our citizens to lock up prescription and OTC medications when in use, and properly dispose of them by searching on www.takethemback.org to find a permanent medication drop box near you. You can find both commercials below, or go to our official YouTube channel by clicking here.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHT2Dxcug0c” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV2Kp2lrBd8″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”19px||0px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]You may have seen some recent articles on the RAYSAC News page about fentanyl, but what exactly is fentanyl?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ width=”100%” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but up to 100 times more powerful. Fentanyl can be prescribed by a doctor to treat pain, but because it is so powerful, it is also illegally manufactured and sold. Fentanyl is so strong that very small doses can cause an overdose or death.
Recently, criminal drug organizations have been adding fentanyl as an ingredient in their counterfeit pills to increase their profits on the black market. However, a person may think these pills are authentic painkillers, when they are actually fakes that contain fentanyl. This can lead to unintentional overdose or death. In fact, according to a Virginia Department of Health report, fentanyl was involved in 71% of all drug overdose deaths in the state in 2020. The number of fentanyl overdose deaths has risen sharply over the past 5 years.¹
Unfortunately, social media has made it easier for dealers to sell drugs online, even to youth. Drug dealers can create anonymous profiles to sell illegal pills (potentially containing lethal amounts of fentanyl), often using coded messages and emojis.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/faux_fentynal_lethal_dose.jpg” alt=”DEA illustration of 2 milligrams of fentanyl next to a penny.” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” body_link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ animation=”off” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Image source: Drug Enforcement Administration (dea.gov/onepill)[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jarod Forget” job_title=”Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division” company_name=”Quoted at this link²” url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jarod-Forget.jpg” quote_icon=”off” quote_icon_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”17px” author_font_size=”14px” position_font_size=”14px” company_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” company_text_color=”#0C71C3″ company_font_size=”14px” link_option_url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22quote_icon_color%22%93}”]“Unfortunately, our kids are much more savvy with social media than we are. And they are the ones we see finding this stuff and dying from it. We must spread the word and stop this from happening in our communities.”[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]So what can we do about this fentanyl problem?
First, protect yourself by only taking medicine as instructed. Follow the directions on the medicine’s label, and do not share prescriptions. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take; ask about their side effects and interactions with other substances. Do not take pills if you are not sure they came from a licensed pharmacy.
Next, have a conversation with the youth and young adults in your life. Share reliable information with them about the risks of fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and drug misuse. Have a conversation about social media and how youth can protect themselves online. If you are a parent or guardian, monitor your kids’ online habits and consider using parental control settings to block unsafe websites. You can also learn about the latest social media trends and what different emojis mean. The DEA has listed some examples of emojis used to sell drugs online at this link: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf
Finally, share this information with others. You can help raise awareness of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and ways we can protect each other. And if you would like to get rid of any unwanted medications in your home, visit TakeThemBack.org to find a secure disposal box location near you.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_style_top=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References
1. Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. (Jan 2022). Fatal drug overdose quarterly report – 3rd quarter 2021. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/18/2022/01/Quarterly-Drug-Death-Report-FINAL-Q3-2021.pdf
2. DEA Washington Division, Public Information Office. (Feb 16, 2022). Fentanyl deaths climbing, DEA Washington continues the fight. https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight
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This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Persian, Swahili, and Urdu.
You can view a translation of this page by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|100px||100px|false|true” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|-40px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]
Connect with us on social media!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”23px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TakeThemBack-link-RADAR.png” title_text=”TakeThemBack link” url=”https://takethemback.org/” url_new_window=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”150px” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
Smartphones and social media have revolutionized the ways we interact with technology and with each other. Social media can be a beneficial technology. It allows us to find news and information, share fun content, and connect with old friends or make new ones. For some of us, social media is a vital means of connection when we are unable to interact face-to-face.
But sometimes social media can be harmful as well. With nearly 9 out of every 10 teenagers reporting they use the Internet at least several times a day¹, it is important to know the potential pitfalls of social media and how to avoid them. Here are some key points about social media use, especially among youth and young adults:
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/depression2.jpg” title_text=”depression2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Poor-Body-Image.jpg” title_text=”Poor Body Image” src_tablet=”” src_phone=”” src_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cyberbullying2.jpg” title_text=”Cyberbullying2″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_bottom=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_bottom_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_bottom%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” header_6_text_color=”#000000″ border_color_right=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_right=”dashed” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_right%22%93}”]Depression and Anxiety
While social media is a great way to connect with friends, problems can appear if too much importance is placed on likes and comments. If someone posts a picture and does not get as many likes or comments as they expected, they might feel disappointed, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also appear if someone compares their posts to those of others, who seem to have perfect lives.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Poor-Body-Image.jpg” title_text=”Poor Body Image” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Poor Body Image
It is common for social media celebrities to make posts about dieting and exercising to lose weight or increase athletic performance. But it is also common to filter or edit these images to artificially boost the person’s appearance. When someone compares themself to these unrealistic ideals, they can feel badly about their body image, appearance, or value as a person.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cyberbullying2.jpg” title_text=”Cyberbullying2″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is when bullying happens online. Sadly, online bullying can be worse than face-to-face bullying because it is easy to hide from parents and teachers, and it can be posted anonymously and publicly. Bullies might be more cruel online because they are not seeing their victim’s face-to-face. Cyberbullying can lead to sadness, low self-esteem, violence, and thoughts of suicide.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ link_font=”||||on|||gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52|” link_option_url_new_window=”on”]Like many things, the key to healthy social media use is moderation. There are great benefits to using social media, but you may be surprised at how beneficial it is to take some time off from social media. In fact, one study published in 2020 found that people who deactivated their Facebook account for a month reported lower depression and anxiety, and greater satisfaction with life.² Whether for a month or just for a few hours this evening, try taking a break from social media and focusing on your mental well-being.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ min_height=”285.8px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” custom_margin=”||-62px|||”]Here are some tips to help you set boundaries and improve your digital wellness:
Most smartphones now have settings you can use to help track and limit your time on social media apps. For Apple devices, click here to learn more about Screen Time. For Android devices, click here to learn more about Digital Wellness.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References:
1. Pew Research Center. (May 2018). “Teens, Social Media, & Technology 2018”. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/
2. Allcott, H., Braghieri, L., Eichmeyer, S., & Gentzkow, M. (2020). “The welfare effects of social media.” American Economic Review, 110(3): 629-76. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20190658
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”23px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
RAYSAC would like to congratulate all of the 2021 Red Ribbon Week Student and School Award Winners! We had several submissions for the media contest from all over the valley, and some great talent! As always, our valley area schools rose to the occassion, and blew us away with their hard work and dedication to making this week a huge SUCCESS! Everyone should be proud of themselves, and we at RAYSAC wish we could give awards to every entry, because you all deserved it! Below are the student contest winners by grade level, and the school contest winners. Congratulations to all!!!.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”Kindergarten Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”First Grade Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Second Grade Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Third Grade Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Fourth Grade Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Fifth Grade Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Middle School Winners” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E02B20″ background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
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The social media era is upon us and everyone always seems to have a device of some sort in their hands. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or any of the others, three out of four Americans use at least one social networking site2. Social media accounts help us to make connections all over the world with a variety of different people. They allow us to talk with friends and family that may be hours away or just down the hall from us.
Social media is known to be a source for updating users on news, discussions, and most famously talking about opinions and feelings. There is, however, a dark side to this social media world. It harvests all kinds of ads and comments on drugs and alcohol. One study was able to conclude that social media users talk about the opioid epidemic on a variety of topics; how to abuse opioids, where to buy opioids, the social impact of opioid abuse and opioid withdrawal4. On the flip side, there are also many social media accounts on the internet that are trying to increase knowledge and spread information on substance use. There is so much information available to us at just a click of a button. Information is power and social media has the ability to give us that information quickly, but at what cost? There are many pros and cons to the social media world, below are just a few:
| Pros: · It allows teens to stay informed on current events and technology1. · It is easier to study and carry out research1. · It can boost self-esteem1. · It keeps teens connected to friends and family5. · It can make them feel less alone or isolated5. · It allows teens to share ideas and explore their creative sides5. | Cons: · Teens can be exposed to cyberbullyng, depression and other mental health issues1. · It can decrease productivity levels1. · It can destroy social skills and self-esteem1. · It can lead to the sharing of too much information1. · There have been reports of social media being used as a strategy for selling drugs3. · Teens are exposed to tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and alcohol ads from industry and posts about substances by their friends3. |
The internet has allowed us to have so much ease with research and connectivity, but with the development of social media platforms, it has opened the doors for exposure to topics like substance use. It can either glorify substance use, or help to inform us on the dangers of them. Parents, take the time to discuss the dangers of social media and set limits on its use with your teens.
References:
1. Austin, K.. (2016). The Pros and cons of teens on Social media. PhoneSheriff. 23 June 2016. http://www.phonesheriff.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-teens-on-social-media/
2. Chary, M., Genes, N., Giraud-Carrier, C., Hanson, C., Nelson, L., Manini, A., (2017). Epidemiology from Tweets: Estimating Misuse of Prescription Opioids in USA from Social Media. Journal of Medical Toxicology. December 2017, 13(4), 278-286. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5711756/
3. Costello, C., Ramo, D. (2017). Social Media and Substance Use: What Should We Be Recommending to Teens and Their Parents? Journal of Adolescent Health. 60 (2017) 629-630. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(17)30158-1/pdf
4. Pandrekar, S., Chen, X., Gopalkrishna, G., Srivastava, A., Saltz, M., Saltz, J., & Wang, F. (2018). Social Media Based Analysis of Opioid Epidemic Using Reddit. AMIA. Annual Symposium proceedings. AMIA Symposium, December 2018, 867–876. https://ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371364/
5. TISPY. 7 Pros and Cons of Social Media for Teens and How Parents Can Monitor It. TISPY: Parental Monitoring Software. https://tispy.net/blog/pros-cons-of-social-media-for-teens
The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends but they can also be highly stressful. Managing the increase in shopping, travel, children’s activities and other obligations this time of year can be very helpful in reducing stress and allowing you and your family to enjoy the holidays.
Here are some other posts you may find helpful (click on the title to go to the post):
Social Hosting and Safe Holiday Parties for Teens
Fun and Alcohol-Free Party Ideas
Helping Your Teenager Manage Stress
Drugs, Alcohol and Abusive Relationships in Teens
Signs of Depression in Teenagers
Helping Your Teen Through Depression
Encouraging Your Teen to Get Naturally High
Failing Safely: Helping Teens Succeed by Letting Them Fail
Social media was originally thought to be something that would expand our worldview and help us feel connected to people who don’t live in our neighborhood. With only a few swipes on their smartphones, teens can now meet more people, develop relationships and have more opportunities for seeing beyond the world around them… or so it may seem. What’s actually happening is that teens are becoming more sheltered and less independent than any generation before them.
According to social psychologist Jean Twenge:
This isolation has had a painful effect on our teenagers. Jean Twenge states that rates of depression and suicide are so high that members of Generation Z are “on the brink of the worst mental health crisis in decades.” How did this happen? Listed below are some ways that social media harms teens.
Now that you know the ways social media can hurt teens, here are some ways you can help reduce the damage:
Strengthening your teen from the negative effects of social media may be difficult, as he or she will not see the benefit and you’ll be met with resistance, but you know what’s best for your child. You can do it!
Parents, pay attention to your teen’s social media use. They need your help to be safe!