YAB Teens are Talking About.....The YAB Opportunity, Vapes and Ecigs and What Parents Need to Know.

What is the Youth Action Board Opportunity for teens?

 

• The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a dynamic and diverse group of teens who are a vital part of the BBCC with representation from all the high schools in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills.  The YAB's goal is to create a positive voice and presence for teens in the community.
• The YAB connects with other teens, schools, community leaders and local law enforcement. Their concern is for the overall mental health and well being of their peers in today’s challenging times.  Quite simply it is a group of teens that advocates for other teens. 
• The YAB meets regularly on Sunday afternoons at the Bloomfield Twp. Library, to talk about important, relevant teen issues and to plan substance-free events for their peers in the community.  The YAB hosts a number of events including an annual youth-led dialogue day,  Band Jams and the ever-popular, sports events, and more. 
• The YAB is flexible, fun and easy to join.  For more information contact our Youth Program Coordinator, Kelly Michaud at kmichaud@bbcoalition.org, visit our website at www.bbcoalition.org or call our office at 248.203.4615.

#What’syourinfluence?

#Livedrug-free##Getinvolvedinsomethinggood#Useyourteenvoice

YAB teens are talking about and answer teens and parents questions about Vapes/E-cigs/Hookah Sticks

Teens want to know…..

Q. So what is wrong with Vaping or E-cigs?  They are supposed to be the safer way to smoke?    

• Potentially harmful chemicals have been documented in some vape/e-cigarette cartridges, including irritants, genotoxins, and animal carcinogens.
• Surprisingly enough, there is no requirement to publicize the ingredients of e-liquids, (aka juice).  So, who really knows what’s in that little bottle of chocolate flavored liquid?  According to some studies, diethylene glycol, a chemical toxic to humans often found in anti-freeze can be commonly found in juice cartridges.  Yes that’s right anti-freeze…. And that what you are inhaling into your body along with the nicotine! Yet, this is just one of several toxic chemicals that has been found within e-liquids. 
• Some smoke shops will make their own house blends and tout all sorts of purity claims, however no one is testing those house blends.  So again… who really knows what is in that pina colada flavored e-liquid cartridge?
• Vaping creates an addiction. Nicotine, even without the cigarette smoke, is a highly addictive, mind-altering drug. Do you really want to struggle with a lifelong addiction to nicotine at this stage of your life? 

Finally…. If you’re still in doubt then consider this:

1. The fact that there have not been sufficient scientific studies done on Vapes. 
2. Vape pens are relatively new to the market and kids are crazy to get their hands on regardless of the health risks.
3. We don’t know what the long term health risks are.  This unknown makes every you, and every other teenager with a vape pen…. a lab rat!

 Adults and Parents want to know….

Q. What is vaping?

• Vaping is all the rage these days, but if you don’t know what that means, you’re not the only one. Vaping refers to the act of “smoking” an e-cigarette. This is a device that is supposed to help smokers quit or allow smokers to get a nicotine fix without all the harm of tobacco smoke. An e-cigarette heats up a liquid with dissolved nicotine. The user inhales nicotine and exhales water vapor, not smoke. It should be safer than cigarettes, but the jury is still out on the other ways in which vaping could be bad for you. Teens may be at greater risk of these harms, and we know that more teens are “vaping’ than ever.  And, because nicotine is so addictive, research shows that teens who vape are also more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes.

Q. Why do teens even want to do this?  What do they get from it?

• It’s an image thing.  They buy into the hype that’s its safe and cool. 
• They may also think it’s a step-down substance.  Something they can try and use without harm or consequence.

Q. What can Parents do?

• Talk to your teen. As a parent, you have the power to influence your teen’s decisions. It may seem like they don’t listen to you, but you are still the top influencer in their life. Most parents don’t talk to their kids about drugs, addiction, smoking or drinking, but for those who do, the results are positive. Research shows that teens whose parents talk to them about drugs and alcohol subjects make better choices. Start the conversation today…. and keep it going!

#What’syourinfluence?

#don’tbelieveeverythingyouhear#it’sstillsmoking

#teensandparentstalkoften

As we kick-off the 2015-2016 school year, our YAB teens answer questions about the transition to high school, partying and saying "No".

Q. How much homework do you get in high school?  Is the coursework and rigor a lot more than in middle school? 

Teens Answer:

• Just like the amount of homework you received increased from elementary to middle school, the homework amount does increase.  However, the amount of homework you have in high school depends on the classes you choose to take.  If you choose to jump in freshman year with multiple honors classes and continue with honors and AP/IB classes through to your senior year, then you will probably have more homework than someone who chooses to take a more standard class schedule.  The KEY to NOT stressing out is to find a balance that works for you.  I suggest if you go that route, to take the honors/AP classes that YOU want to take.  The amount of work will increase but gradually.  Freshman year, teachers know that you are adjusting to high school level work, and will help you along that path.
• High school IS harder than middle school, but it is manageable. The coursework and material is more challenging and the teachers leave it up to the students to take responsibility for their learning.  It is more of a learning curve and there are so many people (students, teachers, counselors) and resources available to help students adjust.  You just have to be aware, or ask.  Don’t let things go, make sure you ask someone if you need help.

Q.  What was your hardest part of high school?

Teens Answer:

• The hardest part was probably stress about school and college.  It can be overwhelming at times but we all do get through it.

Q. What makes people want to do drugs?

• A lot of different reasons.  Peer pressure…. or more of a self-pressure we tend to put on ourselves.  It’s experimenting for some.  For others, they like the way it feels OR they are trying to relieve pain, stress OR they self-diagnose themselves to take drugs to help them with bad body images, stress, anxiety or if they feel depressed.

Q.  When it comes to partying, is saying “No” hard?

Teens Answer:

• For me saying “No” was not hard, but it’s different for everyone.  Most people don’t care if you drink or do drugs.  Like if you say “No” they just are like, “Cool, OK, well let me know if you change your mind.”  Peer pressure doesn’t exist as much anymore, it’s more the pressure we put on ourselves.  It's best to surround yourself with the right people and keep your goals in mind.

 

#What’syourinfluence?#Livedrug-free#ItwillbeOK#Askforhelpifyouneedit#Rememberyourvalues

 

Throughout the year, the BBCC and YAB deliver a powerful interactive program to 8th grade students transitioning to high school; “The Truth and Consequences of Substance Use.”

Here our YAB teens answer 8th grade middle school to high school transitions questions….

Q. How is high school different from middle school? 

Teens Answer:

• High school is different because you take on more responsibility and have to learn to take initiative on your own.  There are higher expectations and if you don’t understand something or miss class, it is your responsibility to talk to the teacher or your friends and figure it out.  It is really important to stay organized, manage your time, but also make time to relax.   Keep things in perspective and know that you will get out what you put into your high school experience.
• In high school you have to take more responsibility for yourself and your learning.  There is a lot more freedom but with that comes a lot more responsibility.
• In high school you will have more freedom to decide what you want to do and the classes you take.  Academically you will have more freedom because you’re able to choose the level of difficulty for yourself and there’s a wider variety of classes to choose from.   Socially you have more freedom as well because there are a lot of people that you don’t know and a wider variety of clubs and sports to choose from.
• In high school there is:
• A lot more work
• Higher expectations
• More chances to make friends
• More freedom, but also you have to advocate for yourself more

Q.  Is there Peer Pressure?

Teens Answer:

• Yes, there is peer pressure in high school, but it is not always negative.  My school is very academically competitive, so there is pressure to do well.  Mostly everyone is studying hard, doing lots of homework and trying to earn good grades.  There can be negative peer pressure as well, but if you choose a good group of friends that will not really be a factor.
• Peer pressure depends on the people that you surround yourself with.  If you surround yourself with people of high character that have the same core values as you, then you will not have that peer pressure affect you.
• I personally haven’t experienced any peer pressure in high school but that’s mainly because I have found a group of friends who respect me and my choices.
• Yes and no…
• More people = more pressure.  But you learn to ignore it as you get older and are more comfortable with yourself
• Typically if you say “No” to something once, people will respect that and back off. 

Stay tuned for our next blog where we will answer 8th graders questions on marijuana, hookah, vaping.... harmful affects and addiction.

         #livedrugfree#what'syourinfluence#getthefacts#knowwhatyoustandfor