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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ADOLESCENT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION - WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW
In Brookline, parents are talking a lot about teen stress, anxiety and depression. Why are kids so stressed? And when should parents worry that a child might be clinically depressed and need help? B-PEN's April 2 parent forum, “Adolescent Anxiety and Depression – What Every Parent Needs to Know,” featured a persuasive presentation and film by Children’s Hospital “Break Free From Depression” as well as powerful guest speakers and experts. The goal was to help increase understanding and awareness of adolescent anxiety and depression, as well as to de-stigmatize teen mental health issues. B-PEN’s new Parent Network Newsletter summarizes some of the valuable information offered during the evening, including:
• Stress vs. depression -- how to recognize the symptoms • How to start the conversation with your adolescent • Healthy coping skills and strategies • Personal stories/advice from one teen and her mother • Resources • Reading list Click here for the full newsletter, or click here for the short form printable info newsletter. 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 provide opportunities for helping parents get to know, support and strategize with one another around common developmental concerns. **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 B-PEN coordinators June Harris, jharris@brooklinema.gov or
Karen Campbell, kcampbell@brooklinema.gov. SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS AND UPDATES
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WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH ASK.FM?
Do you know your instagram from your tumblr? And what about the insidious Ask.fm, which is causing a lot of destructive drama at both the middle school and high school levels in Brookline? Check out this excellent primer on the social media apps and sites now popular with kids. Know where your kids hang out online and what they're doing.
SPOTLIGHT ON ADDERALL
Did you know that according to a recent national study, 11% of all teens aged 13 to 17 have been prescribed stimulant medication like Adderall or Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? That’s a lot of medication floating around, and for those who need it, these drugs can be extremely effective.
But according to a 2012 survey by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, in conjunction with the MetLife Foundation, an additional one in eight teens (13%) now reports that they have taken one of these stimulants when it was not prescribed for them. At BHS, 12% of all seniors admitted to abusing amphetamines not prescribed to them. Reasons ranged from self-medication and weight loss to study aids and recreational use – the sustained “high” from stimulants allows students to party longer. CLICK HERE to read more... NEWS AND NOTESAS OF JUNE 1, 2013 YOU NEED TO BE 19 OR OLDER TO PURCHASE TOBACCO PRODUCTS
BHS Peer Leadership proposal is now the law in Brookline. Click here to read the Public Health Department announcement. RECENTLY ARCHIVED CONGRATULATIONS! Brookline High School is the winner of The 84’s March Chapter Challenge raffle. |
