​January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  The hypothetical story below highlights just one way that trafficking predators can target young people.  That is why it is so important for parents to have open communication with their children and know what they are doing and who they are talking to online. It is also important that young people are educated in the fact that someone they meet online might not be who they say they are and can potentially try to lure them into any number of dangerous situations.
 
An 11-year-old girl is playing an online game through social media as she has done many times before.  She has always enjoyed conversations with another "14-year-old" gamer in the chat feature of the game.  After some harmless flirtation back and forth, the boy asks for a nude photo of part of her body.  Thinking it was just a playful act and though very nervous she decides to proceed, after all what's the harm?  A week goes by, and they are gaming together again and the "14-year-old boy" asks for something a bit more risqué, and of course she refuses.  He then proceeds to tell her that if she doesn't comply, he will send the previous photo to all her friends including her parents and that she will get into big trouble.  And thus begins a 6-month journey of SEXTORTION - the act of fraud and coercion used by perpetrators and traffickers to trap young, naïve girls and boys into a life they never thought possible. 
 
My name is Al Meyers serving Cattaraugus County in the role of Safe Harbor Coordinator through Connecting Communities in Action.  After several years of working hard to contact schools, agencies, and community businesses regarding this topic of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, I am still amazed at how many parents, business owners, teachers, social workers and clergy still believe that this "kind of thing" only happens in big cities.  That fallacy of course is quickly put to rest when one realizes the ease at which online predators can access young people through apps and the gaming chat rooms to almost any online activity where he or she might be connected to other players around the world. 
 
Sure, maybe some parents can hold off on getting any device for their youngster for a few years, but eventually that young person will have access to the Internet. If they are not educated properly, they could potentially open themselves up to getting trapped or manipulated in some way by an online predator.
 
January highlights the Human Trafficking Prevention Movement to bring about awareness and help parents protect their children. This year perhaps we as a community could prepare our kids with the appropriate internal tools necessary to resist and report ANYONE who begins to take advantage of their vulnerabilities.  Please reach out to me if I can be of assistance to your school, youth group, or family.  And may we all work together to pave the way for future generations.  The more you know, the more you'll see! 

Al Meyers
Safe Harbor Coordinator
Connecting Communities in Action

​

Teen Safety During the Holidays
The holidays are upon us, and many teens want to participate in parties or other social celebrations. It can be really hard to know how best to keep teens safe and healthy, while still allowing them to enjoy time with their peers. With that in mind, here are some tips:

Establish expectations. Sit down with your teen and discuss your expectations for holiday socializing that make you feel comfortable and still allow your teen the freedom to engage with their peers. Be specific. If you are worried about parties where they might drink alcohol or engage in other risky behaviors, then discuss party rules.

Research community events. If you’re worried about drinking at a private party, community events are plentiful and can be safe alternatives.  Check out https://enchantedmountains.com/events for a list of events, including the Jingle Bell Jubilee, A Boy Band Christmas at the Casino, free ice skating at the William O. Smith Rec Center, and Holiday Valley’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and Torchlight Parade. 

Host a virtual party. If you’re concerned about where your teen or their friends may be, encourage your teen to host a virtual meetup with friends. There should be some planned activities for it to be fun. For example, your teen might suggest an ugly sweater contest, a 2022 trivia game, or have a dance party where they act as a DJ and play popular songs for everyone to dance to.

Host a holiday gathering at your house.  It is not that difficult or expensive to throw a fun teen party, and it allows you to monitor the teens so that there are no alcohol, drugs or other risky behaviors. Offer lots of snack foods. Let your teen make a music playlist to play all night and plan party games.  Make sure your TV is tuned in to a holiday movie or the “ball drop” shows for New Year’s. Let your teen decorate the party room with Christmas lights or other party deccorations.

Establish rules. If your teen wants to socialize outside your home, make sure you establish and discuss rules. Examples of rules might include:

• Be home by midnight (or a reasonable curfew time depending on your child’s age and maturity).
• Provide the address of their location, and call or text if the location changes.
• Do not use drugs or drink alcohol.
• If they are at a friend’s house, at least one parent must be present at all times.

It is okay to admit to your teen that you know you can’t control what they do when they leave the house, but that you expect them to act responsibly. If you create a respectful environment to discuss these issues, and show a willingness to listen and consider your teen’s point of view, there is a better chance that your teen will follow the rules you establish. Be honest that you truly want them to have a good time, but you also want them to be safe.
Once you have established rules for party-going, lay out the consequences for breaking the rules. Again be specific. For example, if they disregard curfew, the curfew will be reduced, or if they leave the party without permission, other privileges will be forfeited. These should be reasonable consequences that you will be able to enforce.

Discuss possible scenarios. If your teen plans to go to an event outside of your home, then discuss possible risky scenarios they might encounter, and ways they can handle those situations to keep them safe without embarrassing themselves. For example:

Suggest an alternative activity.  One way to refuse a risky behavior, but still save face with friends, is thinking of something better to do.

Blame the parents.  Encourage your teen to tell friends “I can’t – my mom will kill me!”

Make an excuse.  Help your teen develop an honest answer they can have waiting in their back pocket for risky situations. For example, if your teen plays sports, they could refuse drugs by saying, “No, I’ll get kicked off the team if I get caught.” 

Gather support.  Encourage your teen to find a friend who shares their values so they can back each other up. It’s much easier to say no, when you have friends saying no with you.

Final Thoughts…
Socializing is an important part of teen development, and there are ways for them to enjoy their time with friends and still be safe. You just need to provide leadership, guidance and boundaries to your teens. Even if you think you have already talked about making healthy choices, it’s very important to repeat this message. Be specific about your concerns. Directly discuss alcohol, drugs, driving impaired, and sex. Ask them how they plan to keep safe and avoid actions they will regret. One of the top reasons teens say they choose to make responsible choices on a wide range of risky behaviors is because they don’t want to disappoint their parents. That’s why it’s important that you take the time to talk about the potential risks your teen may encounter, and be very clear about the family rules, before your teen attends any gathering. Reinforce your belief in their character and in their ability to act responsibly.

Michael Sharbaugh
Director, Cattaraugus County Probation

References:
https://middleearthnj.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/
 

As adults we all know how fun but stressful the holidays can be!  There are many demands on our time that are unique to this time of year.  Between preparations for family and friend get-togethers, food, shopping, and travel, there are many things taking up your time while still trying to maintain your regular schedule.  Your teens are also feeling the stress as they have these added demands as well. Some signs that your teen may be under stress or feeling anxious are mood and/or behavioral changes, losing interest in things, and more frequent complaints of health issues such as stomach aches or headaches. If you notice that your teen seems to be showing signs of stress or anxiety there are some ways to help them work through it.

• Talk to them about practicing deep breathing to help them relax.
• If all of the activities are getting to be too much for your teen, talk with them about the ones that are most important that they attend or be a part of and then discuss an alternative for the other activities.
• Even though your teen is likely spending a great deal of time with family during the holidays, allow them the time and a chance to connect with their friends.
• Encourage them to stay active and get exercise.
• Talk to your teens about the things that they are grateful for (such as having that special time with family and friends during the holidays) and share yours as well!

 
References:
Chamorro, C. (2021, December 14). Tips for teens: Surviving and thriving during the holidays. Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, https://www.teenhealthcare.org/blog/teen-holiday-stress

Luminis Health. 2019, December 16). Tips for helping teens manage stress during the holidays. https://living.aahs.org/children/health/tips-for-helping-teens-manage-stress-during-the-holidays/

With school back in session, life can seem much more hectic than normal. Not just for you but for our children as well. They’re back to waking up and adhering to a schedule, worrying about tests and homework and the social nuances of life. Which is exactly why we need to talk about resilience and how important it is for all of us. Resiliency is our ability to bounce back from difficult or challenging times and situations. Whether it is a low grade on a test, a breakup, struggles at home or with friends, resiliency plays a big part in how we grow as individuals.

Sadly, the CDC is reporting a 40% increase in “high school students who feel persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness since 2009.” There was also a 44% increase in high school students who had developed a suicide plan during the same time period. Suicide is at a 20 year high for teens. Hospitals all over the world are seeing this. Those numbers are scary and we need to understand that our kids are struggling more than ever. The pandemic of course has added a whole new level of pressure. Between hybrid learning, school closures, lack of social interaction and precautions such as masking, life has become more stressful and sometimes more difficult to navigate. If someone is already struggling with their mental health, then every single stressor (no matter how little it may seem to you) will pile on until they are overwhelmed.

So, let’s talk about resiliency. I want to start with an analogy of a public pool. Imagine that life is the pool and the water is the daily stress placed on us. Every public pool has a lifeguard, right? In this scenario, we as parents, guardians and teachers are the lifeguards. We have navigated that pool and know the potential challenges. Our kids also look to us to throw them a life vest when they begin to slip beneath the surface. Yes, they know how to swim but the tides change in this world pretty regularly. The news is a constant source of negativity and sometimes mental health is a punchline in the media. Mental health is not a punchline or a joke. “Everyone has anxiety” is no more helpful than telling someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one to “get over it.” And we, as lifeguards have a duty to keep our kids focused on the important stuff.

What important stuff? Goals, college applications, driver’s licenses, prom, career aspirations and most importantly (I cannot stress this enough) how to be healthy. Mental health struggles can be made worse due to lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition, stress and conflict in the home such as fighting, financial concerns and alcohol and substance misuse. These conditions can lead to behavioral issues and outbursts and deteriorating mental health. At the end of this blog, I will include resources to explain the lifeguard analogy a bit more. The videos were produced by the Mental Health Association and do a great job of expressing why we must put in the extra effort.

How Can I Help?

The answer to this question depends on your role in a child’s life. If you are their parent, you can:

• Make sure that your child is getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night to ensure that they are focused and prepared for the day.
• Make sure that your child is getting adequate nutrition. Our brains and bodies need vitamins and nutrients to function. If you are struggling, search for food banks and food pantries in your area. Reach out to a local Salvation Army and churches about possible food distributions.
• Ask your child if they need help with homework. Even if you don’t know the answers, help them find YouTube videos on the subject. (Khan Academy was started by a father who was trying to help his child with their schoolwork. Trust me, it’s amazing! Khan Academy is the only reason that I passed Statistics.)
• Try to set aside time in the evenings or on weekends to go for a walk with your child. Exercise is a great natural booster for dopamine and a way to have a relaxed conversation.
• Be mindful of any conflict in the home. No matter how many times you tell a child that these are “adult” problems, it does not make them worry any less. If you are struggling financially, they know it. Be honest and do not blow off a chance to talk to your child when needed. Be mindful of conflict between parents/guardians and children in the home or conflicts between siblings. Have clear boundaries around quiet time for your child’s homework and try to set aside a space where they can focus and not be interrupted.

 
If you are a teacher there are still ways that you can contribute to resiliency. They include:

• Being mindful of the ways that the pandemic has impacted your students. If they are struggling to keep up, guide them to any extra help that you can think of. Offer tutoring sessions or study groups.
• Read the room. Right now, kids have a lot on their minds and one of the biggest risk factors for teens is a low commitment to school. This is where you can shine. Try to build interactive and engaging lesson plans to break up the monotony of lectures. If time allows, take the kids on a short walk or do stretching exercises and breathing techniques in class.
• Talk to your students. They may be going through something at home that is getting in the way of their education. Try talking to them first instead of reaching out to their parents. Be mindful that parents and guardians can sometimes be the source of their distractions.
• Praise their strengths. Whether the student is getting As or Fs, there is something that they are good at. Find it and hone it so that they can be successful. 

Lifeguard Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1kLawi64iU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQTYaNwQveM

Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/index.htm
https://www.clickorlando.com/getting-results/2022/09/07/central-florida-hospitals-seeing-more-teen-suicide-attempts-than-ever-says-mental-health-experts/

​By: Michelle Williams, Student

Did you know that there are a lot of great activities available for youth in Olean?  Please check out these Fall/Winter Schedules at the Olean Rec Center!  Also, to learn more about the Olean Rec please read the article about them in the September issue of the HCC newsletter!  

The Gowanda Central School District, like many schools and communities across the nation, is engaged in a constant effort to keep their students healthy, safe and free of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Surveys have shown that kids who stay drug-free do it due to parental disapproval as the main reason they abstain. Unfortunately, too few kids report having had meaningful discussions with their parents about alcohol and other drugs.

To educate parents about the growing concerns of students using and experimenting with drugs and alcohol, Gowanda’s strategy is to require that one parent or guardian attend the District’s Drug & Alcohol Parent Forum. In coordination with the Village of Gowanda Police Department, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department and Kids Escaping Drugs, the Drug & Alcohol Parent Forum is a 90 minute program that addresses recognition of drugs and drug paraphernalia, signs and symptoms of abuse, health risks associated with abuse and the liability as a parent for hosting and/or purchasing alcohol and other drugs.
Attendance is mandatory for parents/guardians of students entering grade 5 and grade 9, as well as for parents/guardians of students new or re-enrolling to Gowanda Middle School and Gowanda High School. Parents must attend the forum to allow their child to participate in any Middle School/High School special events. Once this requirement is met, it is valid for the remainder of the child’s career in each school.

The event was very informational. It was apparent to parents/guardians how important it is to talk to their kids about abstaining from participating in extracurricular activities involving alcohol and drugs. After speaking with several parents after the event, some of the feedback was regarding how they wished the presentation went into further discussion on the gummies. Parents were shocked by how similar they looked to actual candy and that really concerned them. Some parents even thought it would be beneficial for parents of elementary school kids to attend.

Overall, it was a great event with positive feedback. I look forward to seeing  the effects of it in the coming years. 

By: Brittney Olszewski
​Healthy Community Alliance

Summer is here!  Soon there will be graduation parties, outdoor get-togethers, swimming, camping and so much more!  With that in mind, HCC just wants to say that this is a great opportunity for some positive family fun.  This is also a good time to speak to your children about the dangers of alcohol and substance use.  Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say or how to start the conversation.  The website www.talkitover.org provides a number of resources and conversation starters to help parents and caregivers with talking to their children of all ages.  You can search by topic such as alcohol, marijuana, vaping, mental health and much more.  The content is also organized by age to provide information on age-appropriate conversations.  For example, when having conversations with younger children, look for teachable moments to casually talk about things that they may have seen or heard such as on a TV program.  Keeping communication open with your children is an important protective factor in helping them to stay healthy and make good choices!

Looking for something fun to do with your family over the summer?  Check out the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce Events and Community pages Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce | Olean, NY (oleanny.com)!   

By Tara Estright
HCC Community Coalition Coordinator 

This month we would like to provide information on the dangers of marijuana on the undeveloped brain.  Now that adult-use marijuana has been legalized in the State of New York there will be many more discussions and educational material circulating in the upcoming months.  Please click here for the article "The Effects of Marijuana on the Teenage Brain." to find out more information.

By: Liz Threehouse
​Idea Girl Company

One of the biggest decisions by New York State lawmakers recently has been to decriminalize marijuana and legalize adult use.  For the municipalities that have decided to opt-in there will be “future” legal cannabis dispensaries sprinkled throughout our county.  While we might be seeing evidence of these dispensaries popping up now, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has issued a statement that these locations throughout the state are not acting within the law.  In fact, there have been a few locations that have already been issued warning letters by the OCM (2WGRZ, Feb. 9, 2022).  While New York State continues to develop details surrounding the Marijuana Regulations and Taxation Act, it is important to understand that no licenses have been issued yet for dispensaries to operate within the limits of the law.  In fact, it is likely that it will be another 12-18 months before such licenses will be distributed. 

Why is the important to Healthy Cattaraugus County: drug free coalition?
First, it is important to point out that these illegal pop-up dispensaries are not being regulated. That means that there is no control over the safety of these products that are often being “gifted” through a purchase of another item such as a sticker, shirt, or even a snack. This puts our youth then at a greater risk for obtaining marijuana. The law is very clear, the sale of or providing cannabis to anyone under 21 is illegal and anyone who does, is subject to repercussions under the law. The brain is not fully developed until about age 25 and marijuana use in adolescence has been known to adversely impact cognitive development and mental health in youth (Knopf, 2018). 

In states where adult-use has been legalized it has also been found that products such as edibles have been difficult to regulate and often the packaging contains inaccurate information regarding THC content and dosage (Knopf, 2018).  As some states have experienced an increase in youth overdosing on these edibles, it led to imposing strict regulations in order to help reduce the appeal to this population (Knopf, 2018).  We also know that over the past several years vaping has been on the rise among youth (Knopf, 2018).  In fact, in a recent survey of the Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment (2019) there was a 7.9% overall increase in the number of students in grades 6-12 who reported using an e-cigarette, vape, e-hookah, etc. in the Past 30-Days.  As this chart shows, every grade saw a significant increase in use.

Past research has shown the popularity of vapes among teens and that it is more likely they will use the devices for cannabis as compared to adults (Knopf, 2018).  One survey was conducted among 2,630 Facebook users between the ages of 14 to 18 who admitted cannabis use (Knopf, 2018).  The study found that youth were more likely to vape or consume cannabis edibles the longer dispensaries were available in their area (Knopf, 2018).  In Cattaraugus County, youth have reported that their average age of onset for use of marijuana is 14 years old (Prevention Needs Assessment, 2019).  This is important information to consider as the laws are continuing to be developed surrounding the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in terms of outlet density (how many dispensaries are allowed within a certain area and restrictions on location (such as a specified amount of feet away from schools, playgrounds etc.).  Packaging of products that do not appeal to children (such as those that look like popular candies) and restrictions on advertising are all important factors that must be considered in the future to help protect local youth.
 
References:

Bach Harrison, Cattaraugus County Prevention Needs Assessment Survey (2019)

Knopf, A. (2018). Teen cannabis vaping and edible use increased in high-density dispensary states.  The Brown University Child and
            
                 and Adolescent Behavior Letter, 34(12), 3-4. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbl.30342

It’s a New Year, are you ready to help make a difference in the health and safety of our local youth?  If so, WE NEED YOUR HELP! HCC would like to invite you to become a volunteer member!  As our coalition continues to grow we look for volunteers from all sectors of the community to join us in our mission to reduce youth substance use in Cattaraugus County.  We know that it takes an entire community to prevent underage alcohol and substance use.  While parents are the biggest influence and protective factor for youth not to use substances, positive peer relationships, an engaging and rewarding school environment, and a community that recognizes and rewards youth are also important.  If you are interested in learning more about Healthy Cattaraugus County: a drug free coalition please contact Tara Estright, Community Coalition Coordinator testright@councilonaddiction.org for more information..