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"Can We Talk?" brings parents and kids together to discuss
ideas and solutions about tobacco and alcohol use.
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A study of 6th through 10th graders in Sarasota County revealed a great deal about our youth:
TOBACCO USE
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The easier it is for youth to obtain cigarettes, the more likely they are to have smoked.
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2 out of 3 middle school youth have never tried a cigarette.
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9 of 10 middle school youth have not smoked in the last 30 days
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7 of 10 high school youth have not smoked in the last 30 days. Youth are less likely to smoke if they think their mothers would be disappointed in them.
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Youth who choose their friends on their own are more likely to smoke than youth whose parents influence those decisions.
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A child's first cigarette usually comes from a pack of cigarettes at home or the home of a friend.
Remember: talk with your children rather than at them. Know who your children's friends are and their parents.
ALCOHOL USE
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43% of Sarasota County middle schoolers have had at least one alcoholic drink. 12% have had 5 or more drinks in one day during this past year.
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Youth who start drinking before they are age 15 are 4 times more likely to become alcoholics than people who start drinking at age 21.
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Youth who know their parents think they shouldn't drink are much less likely to use alcohol.
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Parents who set a curfew for their children decrease the likelihood that their children will drink alcohol.
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Drinking alcohol before age 21 is against the law.
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Drinking can lead to poor decisions. The results may be sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy..
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Each year, young people die from drinking too much alcohol, mixing alcohol with medicines or in accident-related deaths.
Be a good role model. If you drink, drink responsibly. Develop guidelines with your children about drinking. Let them know that underage drinking is not allowed.
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Events & Activities
WEB (Welcome EveryBody) - Eighth
grade students help incoming sixth graders to adjust to life in middle
school.
The first Girls Summit
was held in Sarasota in February, 2004. The all-day event featured
inspirational speaker, Yasmin Shiraz, author of "Blueprint For My Girls".
There were many seminars, such as "How To Raise Your Parents," a
fashion show, prizes and great food.
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