HEADS UP ON TINDER
In response to parents’ concerns, B-PEN offers a heads up on Tinder, a popular hook-up app that some BHS teens use to meet others in the area, including older college students and adults. The photo and messaging app has little privacy control and allows users to browse photos of potential matches within a geographic area, swiping right to "like" a photo or left to "pass." If both users swipe "like," the app offers the option to chat, which can evolve into setting up a meeting in person, sometimes resulting in Brookline kids going to college parties. This app is even filtering down to students in the middle school grades, which can be an open door to predators. According to Common Sense Media, this should be a “no-go” for kids. Talk to your teen about Tinder…
HELP STUDENTS MANAGE THE STRESS OF EXAMS
With mid-terms around the corner, the stress level at home may start to rise dramatically as students start to deal with the pressure and expectations. What can parents do to help? How can we be supportive without inadvertently adding to the pressure and anxiety? Read B-PEN’s Parent Network Update on Teens and Managing Exam Stress, which features one-page printable Tip Sheets as well as a list of reputable resources to help your teen (and you!) keep a cool head and a focused mind.
PEER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
BHS’S Peer Leadership program is accepting new students for the second semester. The class, which meets Z block, focuses on healthy teen relationships, alcohol/drug awareness and teen mental health/stress. Peer Leaders design awareness campaigns and give presentations to health classes, parent groups, and school staff. To apply, students should talk to their guidance counselor. (1.22.15)
BROOKLINE’S WELLNESS COMMITTEE LAUNCHES WEBSITE
Did you know that since 2007, The Public Schools of Brookline’s Wellness Committee has been committed to examining and supporting a variety of programs addressing student health? The committee, which meets four times a year, is comprised of school, community, and health representatives as well as students and parents, all invested in addressing a range of youth-serving initiatives in areas of nutrition, fitness/recreation, mental health, chemical health, teen dating violence, and climate change awareness. Check out the committee’s newly launched website, www.BrooklineWellness.weebly.com for a wealth of information. (1.22.15)
BROOKLINE HIGH INSTITUTES NEW SMOKING RULE
Grabbing a smoke at Brookline High School is getting harder under a new smoking policy introduced this semester. In two significant changes, freshmen are not allowed to smoke at all, and the smoking area available for 10th-12th graders has been restricted to four “off campus” benches opposite the Schluntz Gym. The new policy opens up most of the benches in front of the school to non-smokers, allowing students, staff and visitors access to the main building without having to pass through the smoking area.
The new policy was instigated in response to last Fall’s “Conversation and Coffee: Teens and Tobacco” community forum sponsored by B-CASA (Brookline Coalition Against Substance Abuse), which was followed up with pressure from the Peer Leaders, a group of about 30 juniors and seniors working with substance abuse prevention staff. Concern was validated by the school-wide Student Health Survey of 2008, which revealed a correlation between smoking cigarettes and moving on to alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.
READ MORE...
Grabbing a smoke at Brookline High School is getting harder under a new smoking policy introduced this semester. In two significant changes, freshmen are not allowed to smoke at all, and the smoking area available for 10th-12th graders has been restricted to four “off campus” benches opposite the Schluntz Gym. The new policy opens up most of the benches in front of the school to non-smokers, allowing students, staff and visitors access to the main building without having to pass through the smoking area.
The new policy was instigated in response to last Fall’s “Conversation and Coffee: Teens and Tobacco” community forum sponsored by B-CASA (Brookline Coalition Against Substance Abuse), which was followed up with pressure from the Peer Leaders, a group of about 30 juniors and seniors working with substance abuse prevention staff. Concern was validated by the school-wide Student Health Survey of 2008, which revealed a correlation between smoking cigarettes and moving on to alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.
READ MORE...
PEER LEADERS WIN NATIONAL COMPETITION
The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and The Allstate Foundation awarded $1,000 to B-CASA and its Peer Leadership program at Brookline High School for excellence in bringing safe teen driving to the Brookline area. READ MORE...
The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and The Allstate Foundation awarded $1,000 to B-CASA and its Peer Leadership program at Brookline High School for excellence in bringing safe teen driving to the Brookline area. READ MORE...