How Building Protective Factors can Reduce the Likelihood of Risky Behaviors (and help ensure teens remain emotionally healthy and drug-free during this challenging time
Suzanne Burns, WMHS Adjustment Counselor and Catherine Dhingra, Wakefield Health Department
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents of teens worry that increased stress combined with lack of structured activities are leading to an increase in risky behaviors like substance use. During this workshop, we will explore how parents & guardians can cultivate protective factors with the teens/tweens in their lives. Protective factors are qualities of children and their environments that promote successful coping and adaptation to life situations and change. First, we’ll review current data & overview of why teens turn to substances, whether it’s experimentation, stress relief, calming anxieties, or a combination. We will outline several proven strategies to build protective factors: what to communicate, how to set boundaries, how to build coping skills, build connections to the outside world, and supportive plans for difficult situations. Attendees will leave this workshop with helpful steps to implement with their teen/tween in their life. Finally, attendees will learn about resources and supports that are available both in school (Galvin & WMHS) and in the community to help students & parents navigate the teen years.