Why Communication Is One of the Most Powerful Protective Factors Many caregivers worry they need the “right” rules, the strictest limits, or the perfect consequences to keep their teen safe. That desire makes sense, especially when adolescence can feel unpredictable. But in many families, what makes the biggest long-term difference is not control. It is…
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Peer Pressure Doesn’t End When Kids Go Home Peer pressure used to feel more contained. It showed up at school, at practice, or during a hangout, and then kids came home to a break from the social noise. Today, that “off switch” is harder to find. Group chats keep going after dinner, photos and comments…
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It’s common for a parent to think, “That doesn’t sound like my child,” after hearing what happened when their teen was with friends. Maybe your child went along with a prank, stayed out later than planned, tried something risky, or made a comment they wouldn’t normally make at home. When teens make choices around peers…
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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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