COLUMN: For the love of spring, be there for students, especially during and after spring break

For most, the joy of abundant sunshine and warm air creates positive thoughts for the upcoming spring and summer months.  Surely, seeing trees bloom and hearing birds chirp brings out a playful spirit in many.  I’m sure the countdown to spring break for youth, young adults and their families is in full swing. 

Everyone seems long overdue for a well-deserved break before school ends for the summer. As we watch our youth grow and become more curious about the adult world, this is the perfect time to consider potential dangers our youth may face. Adults want youth to be safe, but with our adult wisdom, we know that dangers can present themselves in ordinary activities when unexpected circumstances occur. 

An 8th-grade teacher once told me that “the time period after spring break can’t end fast enough.” I wasn’t sure what she meant, but she told me that student engagement and focus plummet after spring break, and for many students, distraction becomes the norm. She said that the pressures for students to test well, pass classes, get enough “seat time,” and graduate are stressful for many parents, their youth and the school staff.

I thought about that stressful time and the challenges faced by many families.  I also thought about the biological basis of stress, and how prolonged stress hormones (e.g., adrenaline, cortisol, etc.) can negatively impact the growing brain. 

Sometimes, stressful events seem to hit youth the hardest, and their decision-making is affected. This can lead to impulsive choices and/or behaviors that might put oneself in danger.  I think of the vulnerability of youth to internet dangers (e.g., agreeing to meet someone alone), underage alcohol and drug use (e.g., counterfeit pills), driving while impaired, getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver, risky sexual activity, vaping (and more vaping). Most youth are vulnerable to poor choices, like those above, when they are experiencing stress. 

As parents and loved ones, how might we help them?

• Be a good role model for others. Youth watch how adults behave, and in many cases, end up mimicking them. Discuss your expectations for your child around substance use and the dangers early use of alcohol and drugs can create.  If you struggle with excessive substance use, reach out for help. Remember, this is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Recognize that there is a difference between mental health disorders and mental health conditions. Symptoms of depression (e.g., sadness) or anxiety (e.g., excessive worry) do not necessarily equate to a mental health diagnosis. To learn more about mental health, including support groups, check out namisc.org
• Don’t make the discussions about mental health or substance use taboo, strange or difficult to have. Take time to talk to youth about the dangers of substance use and your expectations for their behavior. They want to know where you stand on these issues. If you need specific ideas on how to talk about these topics, good resources are https://madd.org/power-of-parents/ and openconversationsc.com, as well as lexingtonmhc.org
• Continue providing structure and support for youth. Check in with youth regularly about their activities. Connect with parents hosting celebratory graduation or prom activities. Ask about their expectations for alcohol/drug use by youth in their home.  Let your youth know you will ask this. There are social host laws in South Carolina with real consequences. Know what they are.  https://www.daodas.sc.gov/services/prevention/underage-drinking/
• Know the real dangers of social media sites. Too frequently, youth get caught up in dangerous situations that engage them through media posts.  Youth are particularly gullible and unaware of specific dangers related to fraud, human trafficking and coercion. If you want information about signs of human trafficking, go to  https://www.scag.gov/human-trafficking/.  The program for school-aged youth was developed in collaboration with SCETV and is excellent. Check out the YouTube promo and ask if your school is trained in TraffickProofSC.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVRY79qqDeY
• Treatment and recovery options for those struggling with substance use are available for those of all ages. Mental health and substance use disorders are chronic health conditions. Dedicated professionals and peer support specialists are available to assist youth and families. Check out lradac.org or www.couragecentersc.org
• Take time for self-care. Our youth need us to be healthy and available to them.  Take some deep breaths, engage with friends and nurture your own interests. Before you know it, our beautiful autumn season will be here.