VCkidsFYI: Prescription Drug Abuse. What you need to know

Most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are given them for free by a friend or relative. How Are Prescription Drugs Abused? Taking someone else’s medication. Taking a drug in a way other than prescribed. Taking a medication to...

VCkidsFYI: Marijuana and the Teen Brain. Learn About It.

THE IMPACT Marijuana is 3-5X stronger than it used to be Marijuana’s effects can last for days or weeks Problems paying attention and concentrating Slower thinking Less memory SCHOOL Marijuana has been shown to have a...

VCkidsFYI: It's a New Year. Talk to your child about alcohol & drugs

Just Talk about It How do you have the conversation about the dangers of alcohol and drugs? With the holidays behind us, plan a "Learn Something New Together" New Year's resolution. Start talking about the risks of using drugs and alcohol...

VCkidsFYI: Teens' risk of crashing is doubled after using marijuana. Talk about it.

In Ventura County, 1 in 8 high school seniors reported that within the past two weeks, they had driven after using marijuana. 1 in 4 had recently ridden in a car with such a driver. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young people...

VCkidsFYI: Is my child being bullied? Learn how you can make a difference

An average of 35% of middle school students are bullied every year Nearly 50% of teens have been victims of cyberbullying What is Bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that causes serious harm. Bullying can affect everyone, those who...

VCkidsFYI: Celebrating graduation? Avoid fines for underage drinking at home parties

Youth & Alcohol June is the month of celebrations. Graduations. Weddings. Barbecues. Picnics. Celebrating with family, friends, food and alcohol. It's never too early to start talking about underage drinking. Social Host Laws Underage...

VCkidsFYI: Commit to safely disposing of your prescription drugs. Get the facts on Rx and OTC drug abuse

Most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are given them for free by a friend or relative. The U.S. is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. Opioids, including prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin, killed more than 28,000 people in...

VCkidsFYI: Early marijuana use is linked to IQ dropping about 8 points. Learn the facts about the risks of marijuana for teens

What are the risks? Marijuana’s effects can last for days or weeks and include: Problems paying attention and concentrating Slower thinking Poorer memory Lower verbal comprehension Worse problem solving Less...

VCkidsFYI: Is your teen learning to drive? What parents need to know

Teens' risk of crashing is doubled after using marijuana. In Ventura County 1 in 8 high school seniors within the past 2 weeks had driven high 1 in 4 had ridden in a car with a high driver Kids may think it’s safe to drive if...

VCkidsFYI: 1 in 5 teens have abused prescription drugs. Over 50% got them free from family and friends. Learn how to keep your home safe

In Ventura County 13% of 9th graders 20% of 11th graders say they've misused Rx painkillers According to a recent survey, about 1 in 12 high school seniors reported past-year abuse of Vicodin and 1 in 20 reported...