Why Prevention Starts Before There’s a Problem Often, people think prevention is something to start when the first inklings of a problem pop up. Such as when a student is starting to struggle with substance abuse, mental health, or unsafe behavior. Effective prevention starts earlier than that. It focuses on strengthening the everyday supports that…
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New Jersey has passed legislation requiring school districts to limit student cell phone use during the school day, with statewide guidelines and local school board policies expected to shape its implementation in practice. As reported by AP News, the law focuses on prohibiting non-academic use of internet-connected devices, including phones, during school hours, and is…
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Peer pressure is a powerful motivator for adolescents who desperately want to be accepted. Here are 7 ways you can help kids combat peer pressure.
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By Jeanne Neuwirth, LCSW Thinking about giving your child a smartphone? You’re not alone. Many families consider smartphones as holiday gifts, and children are receiving them at younger and younger ages. Before making this decision, it may be helpful to consider what current research and mental health experts are saying about smartphones, social media, and…
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The holiday season often brings busy schedules, social gatherings, and added pressure around food and alcohol. For many individuals and families in New Jersey, these changes can make it harder to maintain healthy routines, increasing the risk of overindulging in food, drinks, or other habits tied to stress and celebration. Overindulgence during the holidays is…
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It can be tough to get your senior parent to open up about their depression and mental health. Here are the best ways to get the conversation started.
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Related Articles: Emotional resilience is a core skill that helps children manage stress, adapt to challenges, and recover from setbacks with confidence. For elementary students, building resilience early provides a foundation for navigating academic expectations, peer relationships, and the social pressures that emerge as they grow. Across New Jersey, educators and families are placing greater…
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By Blake Birenkrant, Manalapan High School In the past, smoking used to be the norm in society for people of all ages, when its effects on health were mostly undiscovered. Today, smoking addiction, while still prevalent, has been taken over by addictions to vaping and other nicotine-related products. Teen vaping and youth nicotine use have…
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Research shows an undeniable link between social media use, negative mental health, and low self esteem. Learn about teen social media use.
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Each Veterans Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served. But true gratitude ensures that veterans have access to the wellness, mental health, and substance misuse prevention resources they deserve all year long. Many veterans face invisible wounds like post-traumatic stress, depression, or chronic pain. Without proper support, these challenges can lead…
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By Chloe Timmons, MSW Intern for The Path at Carteret Middle School What Is Red Ribbon Week? Red Ribbon Week is a yearly nationwide initiative focused on drug-prevention education and helping students understand why choosing a drug-free life supports their health and future. Middle schoolers are at a critical time in their lives when they…
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