Information for Parents & Guardians

We want to help you keep your kids safe. Below you will find important information that we hope assists you in educating yourself and your child(ren) and/or teen(s) about the dangers of the internet, marijuana use, and adolescent brain development.

Internet & Social Media Safety:

There is a wealth of information for parents & guardians about the dangers of the internet and social media. Visit NetSmartz for information internet safety, social networking, sexting, cyberbullying, various forms of inappropriate content, and protecting your kids from predators. Learn the basics of internet safety to help keep your child and teen safe.

• Keep the computer in a high-traffic area of your home.
• Establish limits for which online sites children may visit and for how long.
• Remember that Internet technology can be mobile, so make sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices, and laptops.
• Surf the Internet with your children and let them show you what they like to do online.
• Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming, and using webcams.
• Continually dialogue with your children about online safety.

Measure 91 & Adolescent Marijuana Abuse:

Marijuana is still ILLEGAL for anyone under the age of 21 to use. If your child is found to be under the influence, the police will be notified and there may be a resulting referral to the Juvenile Department.

A teenage brain on marijuana:

Your teenager’s brain will not be fully developed until they are between 23 and 25 years of age. In the teen years, the brain is building the pathways (synapses) which will provide our teens with the capacity for adult functions in reasoning and decision making.

During this time of growth, the brain is much more vulnerable to the introduction of drugs, alcohol and other substances. Using drugs, including marijuana, and alcohol during this period of brain development can cause permanent damage and loss of IQ points as indicated in a recent study by Duke University regarding marijuana use.

Don’t believe the marijuana campaigners, do your own research. Marijuana is not the same potency as it was in the 1960’s and 70’s (6-15%),today’s marijuana is twice as strong and with new methods to extract only the THC your children can access marijuana products which can contain up to 90% THC.

2020 Student Wellness Survey Results -Statistics for Juvenile Marijuana Use in Linn County:

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Illegal Drug Abuse:

Know the signs of marijuana use: changes in your child’s behavior, changes in academics, the smell of burnt marijuana, bloodshot watery eyes, green tint to the tongue, forgetfulness or difficulty tracking a conversation, changes in eating patterns (munchies), unusual giggling or laughing. Look at the whole picture, presence of any one of these signs doesn’t mean your child is using drugs, it is a time to pay attention and ask more questions, two things teens hate.

Adolescent Brain Development:

Please educate yourself about “Adolescent Brain Development” by Karen Williams, MSSW, a well known writer and speaker on the latest in neuroscience and adolescent brain development and behavior.