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Whom do I call?

Student Health and Safety

If you suspect a party will be held at which underage drinking will take place, call the SCPD Third Precinct COPE office at 854-8308 (calls can be anonymous if preferred).
If an underage drinking party is actively taking place, call 911.

 

Substance Abuse

Recent studies on drug prevention, there are many factors that influence a child's risk factor for substance abuse. These studies show that, Drug prevention programs should involve parents, students, schools, and the community, and they should begin early. Parental involvement and the behavior of parents play a vital role in keeping their kids drug free.

Table below reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug abuse may include:
Physical Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
Emotional Personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest.
Family Starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.
School Decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
Social problems New friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music

 

Internet Resources

Drugs & Alcohol

  • Club Drugs Home: This site is a service from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and offers information on club drugs, such as Ecstasy, Rohypnol, ketamine and more.
  • Parents. The Anti-Drug.: A fantastic site with drug information, advice on how to talk to your children, news and columns and how to get involved.
  • Suffolk County Drug Mapping Index: Brought to you by the Suffolk County government, gives information to the maps locations of heroin arrests, along with additional information regarding the arrest.
  • Teen Drug Evolution: A Parents Resource Guide: This website discusses commonly abused prescription medications by teens, what to look for and offers additional resources.
  • Anti-Smoking Activities and Curriculum: Cross-curricular activities from Education World relating to the Great American Smokeout.

 

Internet Safety Resources

  • "Parents Guide to Online Privacy"
  • "Internet Safety Tips for Kids"
  • "Keep your Kids Safe": An informative article.
  • GetNetWise.org: An Online Safety Guide that has age-related safety tips, explains the types of risks online and privacy information.
  • The PoliceNotebook: Tips and tools for parents on keeping their kids safe online, notes, advice and warnings for parents and kids. Also advice for adults on online shopping , email chain letters and more.
  • Safe Kids: At this site, you'll "find tips, advice and suggestions to make your family's online experience fun and productive".
  • Safeteens.com: Subscribe to a free e-mail newsletter, how to protect your privacy and staying safe online are some of the topics at this site.
  • Disney Online Safety: From Disney Online, videos and tips to keep your family safe online.

 

Internet Safety: Get Involved, Stay Informed

Tips for Parents

  • The Internet has opened up a whole new world for our children. Research, homework help, museums, email, chatting, games, and more are readily available at the touch of a button. But there are certain things that our children need to be protected from too. With some knowledge and participation, you can help your child stay safe online. Here are some tips of what you can do to keep your children safe online.
  • Learn about the Internet - Become more computer literate, and know what services your Internet Provider offer. Do they provide Parental Controls? Can your child create "profiles"? Their own web page? If so, monitor what they create. You may be surprised!
  • Discuss with your child about anonymity online. Explain to them that a person is not always who they represent themselves to be. That nice 10 year old girl they've been talking to may truly be a 40 year old man.
  • Never allow your child to give out personal information such as their address, phone number, birth date.
  • Do not allow your child to respond to messages that make them uncomfortable. Obscene or threatening messages should be forwarded to your Internet Service Provider (AOL, Suffolk Web, Optimum Online).
  • Do not allow your child to arrange a meeting with someone they have met online.
  • Consider "Blocking and Filtering" Software. These programs will actually block certain types of websites from being viewed on your computer. "Net Nanny" and  "Cyber Sitter" are two examples.
  • Help your child create their username. Avoid using personal information such as first and last name, birth date, and home town.
  • Sit down with your child and agree on your own home policies.  Agree on time limits, types of websites your child may and may not visit, use of Instant Messaging and chat rooms.
  • Keep your online computer in a family living space to be able to monitor activities.

 

Tips for Kids

  • Never give your password to anyone other than your parents.
  • Do not agree to meet someone that you have met online, without getting your parent's permission.
  • Do not give out personal information like your first and last name, address, or phone number.
  • If you ever come across anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents or teacher.
  • Follow the guidelines set up by your parents. They are there to keep you safe!
  • Do not open email from people you do not know. These emails could contain a computer virus or inappropriate material.
  • Remember your manners online. Words written are just as strong as words spoken.

 

Physical Safety Resources

  • Fire Administration Kids Page: Escape planning, smoke alarms and home fire safety are topics on this kids-friendly site
  • Fire PALS Kid Safety Net: Kid safety games, quizzes, tips and music and videos are offered here.  There is also a parents and teachers section.
  • McGruff Homepage: National Crime Prevention Council Where you can have fun while learning to stay safe! "Take a Bite out of Crime
  • National SAFE KIDS Campaign : Promoting child safety to prevent unintentional injury.  Informative articles, product recalls and safety tips for parents.

 

Missing and Victimization Resources

  • KidzNPower.com: A video tape series you can purchase to teach children how to resist child abduction and victimization
  • Missing & Exploited Children Clearinghouse - The AMBER Alert Plan: From the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, this site offers information about the NYS Amber Plan Activation Guidelines, and Alert Activation Regions. You will also find College Student Safety, Internet Safety, and information for parents and caregivers.
  • Parents for Megan's Law: Prevention tips, News and Information, and offender registry information.
  • The Polly Klaas Foundation: Preventing Internet abduction, family abduction, runaways, and protecting kids from offenders are just a few of the topics covered by this nonprofit foundation. Also information on how to take proactive steps in times of crisis.

 

Health and Nutrition Internet Resources

  • Kidshealth.org: This site is divided into sections for parents, kids, and teens on staying healthy, dealing with feelings, staying safe and more. A great resource!
  • Teens Health: This site, designed for teens, tackles issues as Body Basics, Mind Matters, Food and Fitness, Staying Safe, and Health Problems.
  • The United States National Library of Medicine: The world's largest medical library with health information, library services hot topics and more.