The Carteret Public School District is offering Family Mental Health Nights at Carteret High School from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm on the following dates.  The topics covered are of utmost importance now more than ever.  Come learn about the various ways you can work with your child to deal with any concerns regarding the issues below.

Current Drug Trends January 31, 2022

Kratom, CBD, Delta 8, Lean- if these seem like a foreign language to you, join us to learn the newest drug trends out there affecting youth. Participants will gain a knowledge of products that are legally sold in “Wellness” Shops and convenience stores throughout NJ. We will discuss the side effects and how they affect youth. During this presentation we will also discuss the continued use of vapes and marijuana concentrates. This presentation will explain what an edible is and the concern for poisoning when using this product. We will also explain the significant difference between THC concentrates, edibles and traditional marijuana. Finally we will give parents valuable tools to help them talk with their children about substance use.
 
Understanding Trauma and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) for Parents February 28, 2022

What are ACES and how do they affect us? ACES stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. During this program you will gain an understanding what ACES are and how childhood adversity, can cause trauma and toxic stress. You will learn how this trauma can have a lasting impact on children's physical and mental health. We will also discuss trauma and stress and how they affect us. We will learn how to help youth discuss feelings and how to give them guidance in finding healthy coping mechanisms.

What Parents Need to Know about Social Media and Youth March 28, 2022

The internet has 4.2 billion users, and there are 3.03 billion active social media users.  Social media users grew by 121 million between Q2 2017 and Q3 2017.  That works out at a new social media user every 15 seconds.  Youth are a huge number of these social media users.  According to Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of nine hours a day online compared to about six hours for those aged eight to 12 and 50 minutes for kids between 0 and eight. This presentation will help parents realize how normal posting can increase their connection to unwanted individuals on the internet.  Certain apps will be discussed to explain the hidden dangers on those sites.  Special attention will be focused on NJ specific laws including the HIB Law and Child Pornography laws that include the sending and receiving of pictures.  Parents will leave with a better understanding of information sharing and legality issues that may arise.

Building Resiliency in Youth April 25, 2022

Resilience is the ability to bounce back during or after difficult times. This presentation will help parents understand what resiliency is and how to help their kids learn resiliency and coping skills. This presentation will also help parents learn the difference between resilient vs. non-resilient children. Parents will walk away with a new set of skills, attitudes, behaviors, and coping mechanisms that will allow them to help their students “bounce back” and adapt when faced with stress, challenges, or adversity.

What Parents Need to Know about Vaping & Concentrates/Marijuana Myths and Facts May 23, 2022

There is an alarming trend with both middle and high school students using vapes and becoming addicted to nicotine.  The newest statistics out there state 1 in 5 High School students have used THC concentrates in a vape device.   This program will help you learn all current information about EID’s.  You will become familiar with what harmful toxins, chemicals, and diseases are associated with vaping. Marijuana concentrates will be reviewed and discussed along with the legal ramifications of having devices and or other paraphernalia.  Marijuana edibles and the current trends with these products will also be explained.  You will leave with information on how to talk to your students and help them make healthy educated decisions about vaping and concentrates.

LOCATION: Carteret High School
TIME: 6pm-8m