B-PEN (Brookline Parent Education Network) helps parents navigate the social, emotional and developmental challenges affecting today’s teens and pre-teens – common challenges that can lead to risky behavior. An outreach initiative that collaborates with Brookline school administrators and PTO’s, the organization’s goals are to facilitate parent connections:
* with other parents,
* with school and town resources, and
* with helpful information via written/electronic materials on a wide variety of
teen concerns.
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PARENTS – HEADS UP ON 13 REASONS WHY…
The new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why is generating a lot of buzz and controversy. The show tells the story of a fictional girl who kills herself after being bullied, leaving behind cassette tapes addressing the 13 people she claims played a role in her tragic decision. While it has been lauded for its realistic portrayal of the high school social scene, some mental health experts are concerned that it glamorizes suicide, and its graphic content may be especially triggering for vulnerable youth who might be struggling emotionally. Read the Public Schools of Brookline letter to families and resource list... |
TEENS & ALCOHOL
BHS teens report that when they drink, they drink to get drunk, and this can often hit the level of binge drinking (four drinks for girls, five for boys, in less than two hours). Teens say it happens nearly every weekend, and it can have dangerous effects on the developing brain and also lead to risky behavior. 17% of BHS teens report that after drinking, they engaged in sexual activity they regretted afterward. Check out the Parent Updates on “Teens & Alcohol” and "Teen Alcohol Use & Risky Sexual Behavior." B-PEN also offers a new "Guide for Hosting an Alcohol-Free Teen Party." |
BHS CRASH COURSE: THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO BROOKLINE HIGH
Attention 8th grade parents – are you and your adolescent wondering about next year’s transition to BHS? What is freshman year really like? How do you find your way around the building? Does everyone go to parties on the weekend? BHS Crash Course: The Unofficial Guide to Brookline High can help. The last get-together for all Brookline 8th graders, A Scavenger Hunt with pizza, is Thursday May 18, 6:30-8 p.m. in the BHS Cafeteria.
Attention 8th grade parents – are you and your adolescent wondering about next year’s transition to BHS? What is freshman year really like? How do you find your way around the building? Does everyone go to parties on the weekend? BHS Crash Course: The Unofficial Guide to Brookline High can help. The last get-together for all Brookline 8th graders, A Scavenger Hunt with pizza, is Thursday May 18, 6:30-8 p.m. in the BHS Cafeteria.
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGALIZED MARIJUANA
In Massachusetts, recreational marijuana for those 21 and older has been legalized. This can send mixed messages to adolescents about the possible harmful effects of marijuana, so it’s especially important to engage in meaningful conversations now and often, with the most important message being a simple one – Marijuana can have damaging effects on the developing teen brain. Here's a little primer of information to help you start the conversation...
In Massachusetts, recreational marijuana for those 21 and older has been legalized. This can send mixed messages to adolescents about the possible harmful effects of marijuana, so it’s especially important to engage in meaningful conversations now and often, with the most important message being a simple one – Marijuana can have damaging effects on the developing teen brain. Here's a little primer of information to help you start the conversation...
Report Now Available for Wellness Summit on
The Changing Landscape - Addressing the Challenges of Teen Substance Abuse
Brookline’s recent community Wellness Summit gathered parents, students, school staff/administration, health experts, police, and community members to address the changing landscape of teen substance abuse. The overall goal was to explore current trends and brainstorm strategies around the following issues: alcohol and high risk behaviors (binge drinking, house parties, sexual activity); marijuana (changing laws and the impact of underage use); prescription drug misuse; connections between substance use and mental health; the chemical culture of athletics; and the adult role in intervention. Parent Updates on each issue will be released throughout the school year. (To read the full forum report, click here.)
The Changing Landscape - Addressing the Challenges of Teen Substance Abuse
Brookline’s recent community Wellness Summit gathered parents, students, school staff/administration, health experts, police, and community members to address the changing landscape of teen substance abuse. The overall goal was to explore current trends and brainstorm strategies around the following issues: alcohol and high risk behaviors (binge drinking, house parties, sexual activity); marijuana (changing laws and the impact of underage use); prescription drug misuse; connections between substance use and mental health; the chemical culture of athletics; and the adult role in intervention. Parent Updates on each issue will be released throughout the school year. (To read the full forum report, click here.)
SCREENAGERS Event Examined Our Use of Digital Devices
B-PEN’s recent sold-out showings of the documentary “Screenagers” reflect how concerning the issue of adolescent digital screen overuse is for Brookline students and parents. Click here to read B-PEN's Parent Update on "Teens & Screens," which includes a film and discussion summary, a list of BHS Peer Leaders' recommended strategies, the BHS policy on the use of personal electronic devices, and links to helpful resources.
B-PEN’s recent sold-out showings of the documentary “Screenagers” reflect how concerning the issue of adolescent digital screen overuse is for Brookline students and parents. Click here to read B-PEN's Parent Update on "Teens & Screens," which includes a film and discussion summary, a list of BHS Peer Leaders' recommended strategies, the BHS policy on the use of personal electronic devices, and links to helpful resources.
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PEER LEADERS TALK ABOUT FRESHMAN YEAR
This excellent and very insightful little video features some of Brookline High School's most eloquent Peer Leaders talking about some of the things they were most nervous about heading into their freshman year at BSH and how they dealt with those fears to promote success going forward. You might be surprised at some of the things they say! Check it out.... |
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WHAT ARE BROOKLINE KIDS UP TO THESE DAYS?
Did you know that among Brookline adolescents alcohol and marijuana use is down, but reports of overwhelming stress and anxiety are up – 82% among 9th-12th graders, 79% among 7th-8th graders. These are just some of the key results from the Brookline Public School’s latest Student Health Survey, part of Brookline Department of Public Health’s Healthy Brookline Vol. XVII. The survey’s Executive Summary as well as a Summary Comparison Tables pdf are now available as well. In addition, the Brookline Wellness Committee summit “What Are Brookline Kids Really Up To?” examined some of the latest statistics, and participants brainstormed ideas for addressing many of the most pressing concerns. USE "CERTS" FOR HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Whether you're sending an adolescent off to college or back into the social quagmire of middle and high school life, it's good to reinforce some basic information about healthy relationships. When considering romantic entanglements, the CERTS model is a terrific reference to keep in mind: Consent (needs to be mutual, sober, awake, enthusiastic, verbal – if mixed messages, slow down) Equality Respect Trust Safety |
TIPS FOR MANAGING TEEN STRESS
While optimal levels of stress can help us adapt and grow, it can be tricky with adolescents to discern between normal mood fluctuations and stress that is part of a more serious issue with depression and/or anxiety that requires help. For some basic guidelines, check out the MENTAL HEALTH page of the site and B-PEN’s Parent Update on “Adolescent Anxiety and Depression.” If you think your child needs help, click here for a list of local and state resources. PARENT NETWORK CONNECTIONS
One of B-PEN’s primary missions is to provide opportunities for parents to connect with one another regarding some of the common social/emotional issues all our adolescents face as they develop. To complement regular PTO meetings, grade-geared Parent Network get-togethers at each school can provide opportunities for helping parents get to know, support and strategize with one another. Check out the Discussion Guides for Parent Networks created to support Parent Network meetings. For help starting a Parent Network or more information on B-PEN’s offerings and resources, contact June Harris, june_harris@psbma.org or Karen Campbell kcampbell@brooklinema.gov |
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