WELCOME TO B-PEN!

​​Brookline Parent Education Network helps parents navigate the social, emotional and developmental challenges affecting Brookline's teens and pre-teens. B-PEN collaborates with the Public Schools of Brookline and PTO's to facilitate parent connections with:
  • other parents
  • school and town resources
  • helpful information via written/electronic materials on a wide variety of teen concerns​

WHAT'S NEW?

Parent Program:
​The Truth About Vaping
The Fall 2018 presentation "The Truth About Vaping" by Caron Treatment Center’s Education Alliance offered parents a wealth of information and strategies regarding the troubling epidemic of vaping among Brookline youth. Click here for The Bottom Line takeaway of key points and recommended resources. 

Survival Guide to Parenting Teens -- Child development expert Joani Geltman shares her wit and wisdom on parenting -- here's the Parent Update.
Teen Sexuality in the Era of #MeToo
One of the trickiest challenges of adolescence is navigating the murky waters of romantic attraction and sexuality. In the midst of developing personal identities, pre-teens and teens are also trying to figure out how to forge meaningful relationships with others, and this can be especially confusing in the era of #MeToo. When does harmless flirtation cross the line? How do we talk to adolescents about consent? Read the new parent tip sheet on "Teen Sexuality in the Era of #MeToo."
Why Not Pot?
At BHS, nearly half of senior students report ever having tried marijuana, and 1 in 4 teens who try it are likely become heavy users. That trend is likely to increase – Massachusetts’  legalization of marijuana for those 21 and older leads teens (and some adults!) to believe it’s not that harmful. However, studies also show marijuana use can negatively impact the teen brain at a crucial time in its development and lead to a range of social, learning, and mental health issues. Check out “Why Not Pot? Ten Talking Points for Discussing Marijuana with Our Kids.”
STUDENT HEALTH SURVEY NOW AVAILABLE 
The latest Brookline High School Health Survey XVIII sheds light on 7-12th grade student substance use, sexual practices, mental health concerns, dietary and exercise habits, and more. The report's Executive Summary outlines some of the key details, and data charts illuminate specifics of High School and Middle School. To access the full report, click here.