We are the village: Education about young people and substance misuse
The use of drugs and alcohol among young people will be discussed with parents, guardians and other interested parties at Víðistaðaskóli on Wednesday evening, as part of the 'We Are the Village' series. Most Year 8 pupils in Hafnarfjörður have now received the Health Solutions programme. Parents will also get to learn about the work and how they can best support their young people.
Information session for parents and all interested parties
„The feeling is that teenage drinking is becoming less of an issue, and we also find that the young people themselves don't see using nicotine pouches as a big deal,“ says Andrea Ýr Jónsdóttir, owner and managing director of Heilsulausnir. She says, however, that the research does not show a large increase, but that is the sense and what school headteachers are talking about.
Andrea will be covering the matter at an information meeting for parents, guardians and anyone interested, in the hall at Víðistaðaskóli on Wednesday evening. The meeting starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m.
Meeting with the Year 9 pupils of Hafnarfjörður
Health Solutions have now reached most of the Year 9 pupils in Hafnarfjörður with the VELDU substance education programme. The aim of the programme is to inform about the harm and addiction, and to strengthen self-esteem. The programme is delivered by nurses, and all its educational material is based on evidence-based and recent sources.
Andrea Ýr Jónsdóttir, owner and managing director of Heilsulausnir.
„We go over the signs that parents should look out for and how they should then respond, start the conversation, be role models and help their young people build their identity,“ says Andrea.
„It matters how we talk about things to our teenagers; don't be scolding, forbidding, or threatening. Instead, try to be calm, speak quietly, show understanding, but at the same time make your position clear,“ she says.
Choose the right tone and discuss the matter
„Even if parents drink alcohol and use nicotine themselves, it's important not to speak about it in a positive light. Be mindful of who is listening,“ says Andrea. Parents need to seize the opportunities to discuss these matters with their teenagers when they arise.
Andrea says our young people gather information differently to us adults. „We Google, but kids today ask their friends. It's the environment that dictates that,“ she points out.
The meeting, as previously mentioned, is on Wednesday evening. In addition to Andrea, Stella Björg Kristinsdóttir, Manager of Leisure Activities and Prevention for the City of Hafnarfjörður, will review what the figures are telling us and how we can better support our young people.
Andrea urges us all to attend the meeting. „Definitely. It's so important that we as parents take the conversation home and are prepared for it.“
Yes, this is a great opportunity to sharpen our communication skills with our young people.