As part of our commitment to supporting local youth and families, MassCALL3 Prevention Partners have partnered with parents and guardians of Dedham, Needham, Walpole, and Westwood youth to create the Guardrails, Not Roadblocks Campaign.
The campaign encourages parents to:
· TALK to your child about expectations and consequences related to substance use;
· CONNECT with other parents if your child spends time at their home, and;
· TAKE ACTION to keep alcohol and other substances locked up safely in your home.
The campaign materials can be found on display around your community and online on the Prevention Partners' social media accounts.
The materials emphasize that parenting is a work in progress, and no one has all the answers. But we know potential risks and we know what works, so together we can reinforce effective protective measures and aim for healthy outcomes for all youth in the communities we live, work, and play in.
As a parent, you do your best to keep your child safe. You set rules and boundaries around alcohol and other substances. But, when you child visits other people's homes, you have less control. Other parents may not have the same rules, and your child may face different risks.
To help keep your child safe, talk with other parents about your rules and expectations when your child visits their home.
Don't know where to start? Check out these conversation starters.
Express gratitude. "I know this can be an awkward conversation, and I appreciate that you were willing to have it."
If the conversation doesn't go as planned, think about how you might approach it differently in the future.
All alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, medications, drugs, and hazardous household chemicals (including detergent pods) should be stored in their original packaging and in a locked cabinet, out of sight and out of reach when possible.
Safely dispose of and properly secure all tobacco and marijuana products, joint or cigarette butts, and liquid nicotine/THC cartridges.
In the event of accidental ingestion of any substance or hazardous chemical contact Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222) or call 911.
1) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (2017, September 20)
The Prevention Partners’ landing page and associated social media pages were created to share (evidence informed) educational information related to the health impacts of underage substance use and resources for youth and their families in need of support for substance use mental health conditions. The pages are not monitored and comments/direct messages will not be responded to.
IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 911 OR CONTACT THE SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE BY CALLING OR TEXTING 988.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also call, text, or chat 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The 988 Lifeline is a direct connection to immediate support and resources for anyone in crisis. You can find the 988 FAQ here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqs
If you need immediate support for substance use, contact the MA Substance Use Helpline by texting HOPE to 800327, or visiting helplinema.org.
