Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Key Takeaways

• Vaping has become a major gateway drug, leading students to become more open to trying other drugs
• Any app has the potential to become a way for drug dealers to connect with students
• Students need to have trusted adults they can approach if they see a post or receive a message related to drug sales or drug use 
• Parents should drive home the message that when students report information related to drug use, they could potentially save lives

Dialogue Starters:

Parents of Elementary School Students (to ask students)

Vaping Awareness

• If you’ve heard about kids vaping, what can you tell me about what makes it so harmful and dangerous? 

Parents of Middle School Students (to ask students)

If You See Something, Say Something

• What do you think is the best step to take if you encounter conversations about vaping or drugs online?

Parents of High School Students (to ask students)

Dealing Online

• Why do you think drug dealers use social media as a way to connect with students who might be tempted to buy illegal drugs?

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• Drugs on Social Media: What Parents & Educators Need to Look Out For
• What is the Chroming Challenge: Understanding the Perils of Inhaling Toxic Chemicals
• TikTok Tranquilizer Challenge: What Parents & Educators Need to Know

Conclusion

Students are digital natives and between screen time at home and screen time at school, they often spend quite a bit of time online. Protecting kids online is more important today than ever before with the risk of online predators, online drug sales, and other dangerous situations that kids have the potential to be exposed to. The most important defense against these online risks is having an ongoing dialogue with students so they understand what red flags they should be looking out for and know what to do if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.