Luncheon Addresses Why Parents Should Talk to Preteens About Drinking
The message at a Preteen Alliance luncheon held March 3 was clear – start talking before kids start drinking.

Our speakers, David Mineta, deputy director of Asian American Recovery Services, and Mary Bier, coordinator of the Partnership for a Safe and Healthy Pacifica, discussed a tragic alcohol-related accident that prompted Pacifica to organize a community-wide effort to prevent substance abuse among youth. Visit preteenalliance.org for a complete re-cap of the session, including handouts from our speakers and links to additional tips and resources for how to talk to preteens about this topic.

Did you miss last month's column from Sarah Kremer on mentoring? Read it here.


Study: Early Alcohol Use Can Lead to Increased Risk of Violence, Suicide
Youth who start drinking alcohol before age 13 are more likely to attempt suicide and engage in violent behavior than preteens who do not drink, according to a study published in the February issue of the journal Pediatrics. Efforts to delay or reduce alcohol use in the preteen years could lead to reduced rates of violence and suicide attempts, researchers conclude.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/121/2/297

What Worries Preteens?
Preteens' are most worried about the health of a loved one, their own future, and schoolwork, according to a poll conducted by KidsHealth, a project of the Nemours Foundation. Of the more than 1,100 9- to 13-year-olds surveyed, 23 percent said they talk to a parent when they feel worried about something, and 20 percent said they try to fix it on their own. The preteens surveyed also cited their appearance, making mistakes, and their friends' problems as other frequent worries. The poll was conducted among children at health education centers, mostly in the Midwest.
http://kidshealth.org/media/kidspoll/worry.html



Book Club for Preteens and Teens
The Foster City Library offers this club for students in grades six through 12. Participants will recieve a paperback book to add to their collection each month. Wednedsay, March 19, in Foster City.
http://www.kidscal.org/event/204271

Academic Stress and the Preteen Years
This Childhood Matters radio show, sponsored by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, will address the school stresses preteens face, including the transition from elementary to middle school. Sunday, March 30, on 98.1 KISS FM.
http://www.kidscal.org/event/204328

Basic Aid Training for Third to Fifth Graders
 The American Red Cross Palo Alto chapter sponsors this six-hour course to help children recognize and respond to emergencies such as fire, choking, or poisoning. Sunday, April 6, in Palo Alto.
http://www.kidscal.org/event/203900

Find more preteen events on kidscal.org: http://www.kidscal.org
Add your events to kidscal.org: http://www.lpfch.org/cgi-bin/calendar/admin.cgi

If you have information about preteen events or activities for the next newsletter, please send it to preteens@lpfch.org.

The Preteen Alliance promotes the emotional and behavioral health of preteens by using information to raise public awareness and inform regional action, with an emphasis on Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The Alliance has more than 1,200 members, and is guided by a two-county steering committee. For more information, see http://www.preteenalliance.org/about.html.

Also on preteenalliance.org:

  • News and Research About Preteens: Find recent news and research commissioned by the foundation regarding preteens, as well as links to other relevant research.
  • Resources and Services: Preteenalliance.org's resources page links to websites and services on topics affecting preteens.

If you have questions about The Alliance or want to include information in the next edition of The Preteen Post, reply to this e-mail or call us at (650) 724-5778.

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