The aim of this e-newsletter is to provide our subscribers with information about drug prevention resources, and to share relevant news, conferences and events.
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to other parents in your networks, and encourage them to subscribe at www.positivechoices.org.au.
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Term 1 Newsletter: Wellbeing
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Dear *|FNAME|*,
Welcome back to the new school year! In this newsletter we'll be sharing resources about wellbeing.
Wellbeing encompasses a person's emotional, mental, social and physical health. Wellbeing is linked to improved academic achievement and enhanced mental health. Furthermore, it encompasses responsible decision making such as making choices about drugs and alcohol.
Parents and guardians have a big impact on a teenager's life and the decisions they make. Research has shown there are many ways in which parents can minimise the chances that a teenager will use illegal drugs, or experience harms from their use.
Check out our resources below to help guide your teenager in making responsible choices. You can also access all our resources online through the Positive Choices parents' portal:
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Have you got your copy of the FREE Parent booklet?
This information booklet is part of a series developed for teachers, parents and students. The booklets have been updated from previous versions to include information about alcohol, tobacco and additional factsheets. The booklet includes:
- Accurate evidence-based information about illegal drugs, their use and effects;
- Guidance about how to talk to a young person about illegal drugs, and ways that parents can protect against drug use and related harms;
- Information about how to help someone who has taken an illegal drug.
You can access the digital version of the booklet here, or order the hardcopy versions here:
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How parents can protect against drug use and related harms
What can parents do? Check out our top 3 tips on how to reduce the chances that your teenager will use illegal drugs, or experience harms from their use.
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Talking to a young person about alcohol and other drugs
As a parent, it is important to talk with your child openly about alcohol and drug use. For tips on starting the conversation, read this factsheet.
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Webinar: social media, alcohol use and parent monitoring across adolescence
This webinar is for parents, school staff, and anyone else seeking information about the relationship between social media use and drinking, and how parents can protect against alcohol use in adolescence.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources
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Raising your kids strong: deadly activities families can do together
Research shows that young people are less likely to use drugs or drink alcohol if they have a supportive environment, good role models, and participate in cultural activities and sports. Check out our factsheet for deadly activities! This factsheet is available in Warlpiri, Arrernte and Torres Strait Islander creole.
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How families can protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers against drug related harms
You can help reduce the chance that teenagers in your family use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Here are some tips that have been proven to help.
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Upcoming Webinar:
Strong and Deadly Futures; a culturally-inclusive program to prevent harm from alcohol and other drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth
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Strong & Deadly Futures is a school-based alcohol and drug prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students that is culturally inclusive, incorporates cultural strengths and focuses on empowerment of the students.
The program combines illustrated story lines with interactive classroom activities. It is currently being developed and trialed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous high school students around the country. If you'd like to learn more about the program, watch this video! If you'd like to get involved in the trial, please email info@strongdeadly.org.au.
Register for our upcoming webinar to find out more about the Strong and Deadly Futures program. The webinar will provide an overview of the program, development process, and information for schools and communities about how to get involved, access the program and give feedback to inform the next phase of development.
This webinar will be held on Tuesday 7th April at 12.00pm-1.00pm AEST. Make sure you register for this FREE online webinar:
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Our thoughts are with those who have been recently affected by the Australian Bushfires. Events like these can lead to distressing emotions in children including high anxiety, fear and panic. If you or someone you know is looking for resources to assist in the recovery process, please see the resources below:
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Better Health Channel Victoria has created a resource with practical tips to help parents and caregivers support a child following a traumatic event. You can access the resource here.
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The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has many resources to support people and communities who are bravely battling and recovering from the bushfires. You can learn more and access these resources here.
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Something you'd like to see on Positive Choices that isn't there? We welcome ideas for new content, so send us an email at info@positivechoices.org.au, and we'll look into it.
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