Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Use

Teen drug use is something that can be prevented.  This infographic is a great way to stay informed and educated on signs and symptoms of drug use.  In addition, the following changes in your teen's behavior may indicate a need to seek some help:

• A change in friends. Teens who begin to spend time with others who use drugs may be bowing to peer pressure to use drugs, too.
• A sudden need for privacy. Taking drugs, and stashing away the signs of drug use, takes time and privacy. A once open teen who now needs hours alone may be spending those hours using drugs.
• Increased need for money, or stealing. Drugs can be expensive.
• Messy, careless personal appearance. Teens on a roller coaster of drug use may not take the time to groom themselves.
• Secretive phone calls or text messages that seem to be in code. Teens often talk to one another about drugs in this way.
• Lack of interest in hobbies the teen once enjoyed.
• Drop in grades, or failure to show up at school at all.

Via: Newport Academy

High School Sexting Scandal

CNN reports over 100 high school students in Colorado are being investigated for potential felony charges in a sexting scandal.  Local police have confiscated cell phones containing the photos.  The superintendent, George Welsh,  reported pictures being passed via "hidden apps" on the phones. 

"When you go into it and you ... hold a certain button long enough, a prompt for password comes up. Once you enter that password, then any messages that have been sent from photo vault to photo vault start coming up," Welsh said. The app is "a little bit like Snapchat," he added. "You can choose for the photo not to be able to remain on the device." 

Some of the pictures may have been taken on campus. The students face potential Class 3 felony charges and possible sex offender registration requirements.

The impulsive action of the teens to take and pass nude pictures could potentially impact college choice, career opportunities, and lifelong relationship issues associated with pornography use.
Studies show sexting happens more often than parents want to admit.

Read the full article here.

2015: Dangerous Apps Roundup

A recent study reported 43% of teens feel cyberbullying is a bigger problem than drugs (Vodafone, 2015).  Parents have to stay current and vigilant, but it is difficult to manage and monitor when there are new apps introduced daily.
The group, Educate Empower Kids, compiled a great report of the most dangerous apps of 2015.

Burn Note: All messages self destruct after being read.  Parents would not be able to see evidence of bullying or sexting. You cannot send pictures or videos through this app.

Hiding apps:  These apps are just false icons for what lies beneath.  These are meant to hide photos and other files that you do not want discovered on your phone.  The best tip I can give parents is to restrict your child from being able to download apps.  This can easily be done in the settings on the phone.

MORE DANGEROUS APPS HERE