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At the Toronto District School Board, we are deeply invested in the well-being of our students, staff, parents, guardians, and caregivers. We recognize and as staff continue to promote awareness to staff and students about the critical importance of understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding substance use among youth and the impact of substance use on mental health and well-being.
Together, we can make a difference in preventing substance abuse and promoting healthier choices for students.
https://smho-smso.ca/educators-and-student-support-staff/substance-use-and-addiction/
https://www.csmh.uwo.ca/research/positive-youth-development.html
Canadian Mental Health Association-Substance Use and Abuse Information
This platform serves as a comprehensive resource for students, providing valuable information and guidance on making informed decisions regarding substance use. For staff, it offers insight into recognizing signs of substance abuse/misuse and provides strategies for intervention and support.
A simple way of understanding and describing addiction is to use the 4C’s approach:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-68686 Ontario Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1-800-565-8603 Mental Health Hotline: 988 Canadian Mental Health Association Student Resources Student Resources
Additionally, for parents navigating the challenges of raising adolescents in today's world, this webpage offers practical tools, resources, and support networks to help navigate conversations around substance use, abuse, and misuse with their children.
Drug Free Canada: Talk Tips for Parents CAMH: Talking to Children about Mental Health and Substances CAMH: Family Supports and Resources Re: Substance Use and Mental Health SickKids: Signs and Tips for Parents Parent Resources Youth Addiction & Concurrent Disorders Service
Navigating the landscape of youth substance use requires a collective effort grounded in education, awareness, and empathy. Through this webpage, we aim to foster open dialogue, promote harm reduction strategies, and empower our community to address substance-related issues with compassion and understanding to build a circle of care for students that includes TDSB community partners.
Educator Resources Substance Use and School: Opportunities to Support Students A Guide for Educators Substance Use and School: What Youth Want Educators to Know What Elementary Teachers Need to Know about Vaping What Secondary Teachers Need to Know about Vaping What Educators Need to Know about Opiates and Fentanyl What Educators Need To Know About Cannabis
Substance Use, Misuse and Abuse Culturally Relevant Resources Substance Use, Misuse and Abuse Resources
Other risk factors associated with increased substance use problems may include:
Specific signs vary depending on the substance used, but generally include:
These indicators may suggest problematic substance use or other underlying issues, such as mental health concerns. It's vital to take these signs seriously and not dismiss them.
Welcome to our guide on alcohol use and youth in Canada. Navigating the complexities of alcohol consumption among young people can be challenging, but understanding the risks, knowing the laws, and accessing support resources are crucial steps in promoting safe and responsible behavior.
In this resource, we provide valuable information, practical tips, and a range of resources tailored to parents, educators, and youth themselves. From understanding the legal drinking age and the effects of alcohol on the developing brain to tips for having open conversations with teens about alcohol, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions.
Whether you're a concerned parent, an educator seeking guidance on prevention strategies, or a young person navigating peer pressure and social situations, we're here to support you. Together, let's foster a culture of responsible alcohol use and prioritize the health and well-being of our youth across Canada.
As a parent, or other caring adult, you can:
See: For Parents, Caregivers and Guardians: Tips and Information about Alcohol Use
Retrieved from: https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-finding-help-for-substance-use-and-addictions/
Cannabis use is common. From grade 7 to grade 12, the use of both alcohol and cannabis becomes more widespread, with alcohol use roughly double that of cannabis.
For more information on the consumption of various substances among youth in Ontario, visit the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, which is the longest-running Canadian survey that shows trends in substance use and mental health.
See: Provincial Patterns and Trends of Cannabis Use among Youth: Ontario (ccsa.ca) See: The Blunt Truth Useful Tips About Safer Ways To Use Cannabis (CAMH) See: For Parents, Caregivers and Guardians: Tips for Parents, Caregivers and Guardians about Cannabis Use and Your Child https://www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/youth/cannabis-and-marijuana.aspx Retrieved from: https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-finding-help-for-substance-use-and-addictions/ SMHO: What Educators Need To Know About Cannabis
The allure of gambling can be particularly enticing for young people, with online platforms offering easy access and the promise of quick winnings. However, what starts as harmless entertainment can quickly spiral into a debilitating addiction, impacting academic performance, relationships, and mental health. Recognizing the warning signs of gambling addiction and providing support and resources for prevention and intervention are essential in addressing this growing concern among youth.
The rise of nicotine use among youth, largely attributed to vaping, presents significant health risks and challenges for adolescents. From flavored e-cigarettes to discreet vaping devices, young people are increasingly drawn to nicotine products, unaware of the long-term consequences on their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the factors driving nicotine use and implementing targeted prevention strategies are critical steps in safeguarding the health of our youth.
See: For Parents, Caregivers and Guardians: Tips about Tobacco
Opiate use among youth has reached alarming levels, fueled by factors such as peer pressure, easy access to prescription medications, and the allure of temporary relief from emotional pain. What begins as experimentation or misuse of prescription painkillers can escalate into dependence and addiction, leading to devastating consequences. Educating young people about the risks associated with opiate use and promoting access to safe and effective treatment options are crucial steps in combating this epidemic.
See: For Parents, Caregivers and Guardians: Tips about Opiates SMHO: What Educators Need to Know about Opiates and Fentanyl
In an increasingly digital age, social media has become an integral part of youth culture, offering connectivity, validation, and entertainment. However, excessive use and dependence on social media platforms can lead to detrimental effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Understanding the addictive nature of social media and fostering healthy digital habits are essential in promoting balanced lifestyles and well-being among youth in today's technology-driven world.
Vaping, once hailed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, has rapidly gained popularity among youth in recent years, presenting a pressing public health concern. With enticing flavors, sleek designs, and discreet packaging, e-cigarettes have permeated schools and social circles, capturing the attention of adolescents.
However, beneath the allure lies a complex web of addiction, health risks, and regulatory challenges. From nicotine addiction and respiratory illnesses to concerns about the long-term impact on brain development, the rise of vaping among youth has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and health professionals alike.
By understanding the dynamics of vaping abuse and use among youth, we can work together to promote informed decision-making, support healthy behaviours, and safeguard the well-being of our young people.
See: For Parents, Caregivers and Guardians: Tips about Vaping
SMHO: What Elementary Teachers Need to Know about Vaping
SMHO: What Secondary Teachers Need to Know about Vaping