The new school year is just around the corner. Set your child up for a safe, successful, and enjoyable year with these helpful tips:
Younger Students:
• Remind young children that markers, crayons, glue, glitter, and other school supplies belong on paper and not in their mouths. Supervise young children while using supplies as they can easily be splashed in the eyes, swallowed, or spilled on the skin.
• Tell children that even though medications may make one child feel better, they can make another child extremely sick. Do not take anyone else’s medication.
• Keep all medications in their original containers. Store medications, including vitamins and supplements, up high and out of sight.
• Talk to your school’s nurse and/or administration about the school’s medication policy and follow their guidance.
• Cannabis products are not regulated and can be found in many look-alike products that children may mistake for candy or other food products. Keep them locked up, out of sight, and out of reach for children of any age.
Older Students:
• Older students are at risk for experimenting with over-the-counter and prescription medications, recreational drugs, and alcohol. Have an honest and open discussion with your child about these dangers.
• Explain to students that taking over-the-counter pain relievers in doses higher or more often than what the label recommends can be harmful.
• Remind students to be careful with energy drinks and over-the-counter supplements. These products can have large doses of caffeine. Caffeine is also found in powdered supplements, such as workout powders, and can cause anxiety, headaches, vomiting, increased heart rate, and seizures.
• Vaping and using e-cigarettes that contain nicotine can cause stomach pain, salivation, faster heart rate, and seizure. Vaping can lead to addiction and serious long-term lung disease.
• Prescription pain medicine, known as opioids, is commonly misused among all age groups. Opioids can slow the body’s systems down to the point where a person stops breathing. Naloxone (Narcan®) is a life-saving drug. In Nebraska, please check StopODNE.com StopOverdoseNebraska for more information on obtaining this medication and how to use it.
• Help stop the stigma and talk to your kids about their mental health. Let them know that help is always available. Anyone can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to Get Help - 988 Lifeline.
