Welcome to Beyond the Bell podcast, where you will get an inside look into school life. We cover school-related topics that support your child's education and well-being. As you listen along, we hope you'll gain insights for navigating school with your child and leave with a deeper sense of connection between school and home. Here's your host, Chantelle Quesnelle.

Chantelle: Hello, Simcoe Muskoka families. On this episode of Beyond the Bell, we are speaking with Sarah Cairns from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit about substance use prevention and understanding substance use among youth.

Sarah Cairns has been a public health nurse with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit since 2020, focusing on areas such as substance use prevention, harm reduction, suicide and self-injury awareness, as well as infectious disease surveillance. Sarah holds a Master of Public Health with a Specialization in Nursing degree from Lakehead University. She balances her professional life with being a mom to two young boys. 

So, we know that many young people experiment with substances at some point in their development. As we talk about substance use, we will talk about it along a spectrum from no-use to a substance-use disorder, with mental health problems often co-occurring with problematic substance use.

Educators and school staff play an important role in promoting student resilience, noticing when students may be struggling, and providing classroom-based support. We also, at Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, have school counselors, psychology staff, and community partners such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and mental health and addictions nurses in our secondary schools to support students when more help is needed. 

In this episode, we're going to explore some key information and resources from for parents and caregivers when it comes to brain development and substance use, as well as some practical tools to support conversations with young people.

So let's welcome Sarah. 

Sarah: Hi, Chantelle, thanks so much for having me. 

Chantelle: Wonderful to have you here with us, Sarah. I know we're gonna kind of kick off this episode and talking a little bit about the brain. So let's dive into understanding brain development and substance use in the brain. 

Sarah: Amazing. Yeah, it's such a good place to start. It's a big topic, talking about substance use, and especially with any fears we have of safety issues. So starting to talk about the brain and understanding why it is we use substances can help.

So we know our brains are developing up until the age of 25. So during the time, uh, youth are using substances, their brains are actually still growing and pruning and, building synapses in the, in there. So if they are, bringing on substances like alcohol, cannabis, uh, and opioids, then that can impact how that brain is forming. We also know brains are built over time. So when we're young, our experiences can impact how our brains, uh, regulate and see the world. And so that can change how we, uh, develop our coping mechanisms later in life.

So understanding that is a really important point as well. It's not, it's not a choice. Usually, it's often something that we're doing, to give ourselves something to,  make us feel better. So, that's part of the reason we really wanna understand what's going on in the brain and, in order to be compassionate. 

Chantelle: Yeah, it really is this interesting time in, in youth and, and adolescence that like curiosity and risk-taking behavior, you know, naturally inclines towards like things like experimentation. But at the same time, the brain is still developing, so that combo is so tricky.

Sarah: Oh, exactly. Like, we know, risk taking and if you've ever seen what a teen is like, like that's so common, and that's because that's important in our human development, right? That is a time in life that we want to be out exploring and, and taking these risks. So, it does lend itself to an extra level of, of safety and, and danger when it comes to substances. There's often another issue that happens. So, the more, the earlier our youth are using substances, the higher the risk of developing a dependence on those substances later in life.

So anybody who's using under the age of, you know, 19 or younger, increases their chances of addiction later in life by quite a significant amount, and that is tracked through statistics, knowing that those who have substance use later, up to 80% started using prior to the age of 19. So that can be a really important factor to understand and to share with you as well. It's a lifelong choice to not use ‘cause you're battering yourself later on. 

Chantelle: Yeah. So the research is really telling us that delaying the start of substance use can be a protective factor. 

Sarah: Absolutely.

Chantelle: And you know, we're using the word substance use, which, you know, maybe it's a term that some of our listeners are familiar with. Maybe they aren't really sure what we're referring to here. So why are we using the term substance use? And what does substance use really refer to anyways, Sarah? 

Sarah: That is a great question, because that is something we have to flesh out even in our role at the health unit. So the term substance, the reason we use that, use that term is because it reflects a range of psychoactive substances.

So that can include alcohol, cigarettes, uh, unregulated or illegal drugs, as well as like prescription drugs, solvents, inhalants, anything that's habit forming. That term is a little, it's more neutral than the word drug as well. So wanting to reduce social stigmas and judgments that can, uh, prevent people from reaching out for the support that they need. It's also important to note that some, some people who use drugs prefer that term, and that is completely OK as well. We want to honour like everyone's lived and living experience in that space, but, using substances, what we do in order to be able to include various, items, and for us in Simcoe Muskoka, the most common, uh, substances we're seeing through our youth is, uh, alcohol. So alcohol is number one, it is the most commonly used substance. We also see cannabis and then opioids as well. 

Chantelle: So when we're thinking about like alcohol, thinking about that being one of the most common substances. How, how do we want to understand, you know, we talked about substance use along a spectrum, like, what is, what do parents and caregivers kind of need to know when we're thinking about substance use, uh use around alcohol? 

Sarah: Yeah, absolutely. So we know that 50% of students, grade 7 to grade 12, uh, are using subs are using alcohol specifically.

So the component in alcohol, the ethanol, that's what we really are talking about as, this, the chemical that is creating that psychoactive reaction. So what has happened through the research is understanding that there is something you can do to under, to really recognize how much you're consuming. You know, alcohol comes in different sizes and you can get that very large can of beer or you can get uh, a small bottle of liquor. So how do we know what we're taking in? There's lots of resources online and there's one that we'll share in the link today, and it does explain how you can have one beer at 341mL of,  so a 12 ounce beer, at 5% alcohol is equal to a 5 ounce glass of wine at 12% alcohol. or a 1.5 ounce shot at 40% alcohol. So knowing that those are the same, can help understand how much risk there is and what you're intaking. 

Chantelle: You know, in some of the other podcasts that I, I listen to and talking about substance use and, and health, even, you know, for, for adults, understanding what that looks like and what that means in terms of how much alcohol you might consume in a day or in a week or in a month is, is a really important kind of piece of, of information to look at when it might be more problematic or when there might be more health-related concerns for adults.

But then you also have the extra layer, like we spoke about already around brain development, when it, it's happening for you. 

Sarah: Yeah, absolutely. Like alcohol affects how we act and move and, and, uh, intoxication relates to an increased rate of injury, aggression, violence. Another consequence is, like anxiety and self-inflicted injury. So, and then we have the longer-term consequences that is coming out in the research. So, alcohol and ethanol, it is a carcinogen and it is linked to many different types of cancers, at least 7 that they've identified, but likely a lot more. The most recent available data is showing that in Canada, there's nearly 7000 cases of cancer death each year related to alcohol specifically. So what has been released is, uh, a list of drinks and how many drinks you're having is indicating how much risk you're taking. So, that is a really important item to have handy as well when having conversations with your youth. And bringing in those, those fact-based conversations can be really helpful because it is an emotionally driven topic and it can be really, it can be really scary for parents who have youth that are using alcohol or other substances and youth are also getting misinformation from different sources, and so wanting to really ground down in those facts about, you know, if zero, zero amount of alcohol is the only non-risk option and then every layer you go up from there is, is increasing your risk. So 1 to 2 drinks a week is considered a lower-risk option where 3 to 6 drinks a week is moderate. And anything above 7 is increasing, is an incredibly high risk to yourself and long-term health. And we would, uh, categorize any amount of, so 5 or more drinks at one time to be considered binge drinking, which is a whole other category of how high your risks are at that specific time.

So, again, like really using those statistics and leaning on the research when talking to youth can help bring to light the different risk levels that they could, they are taking and so not really focusing on, you know, what they need to do, they can make their own choices for their own health. 

Chantelle: As a parent, that can be really hard, wanting to kind of maybe promote no use while also having conversations that aren't stigmatized so that if there is a concern, we're creating a pathway for a discussion.

Sarah: Absolutely, like, substance use is so complex and there really is no easy solution. I know as a parent and other parents, as far.. as long as like, as well as educators and health providers, like, our number one priority here is keeping our youth safe. That's always the, the main goal. So like substance use among youth is a major concern, and it's really difficult to navigate. Like those two truths are, are there at the same time. So we really encourage like leading with curiosity, and not trying not to get overwhelmed with the fear and frustrations that can go along with talking about substance use.

And one of the other recommendations from uh, Drug Free Kids Canada, who offers really good resources on how to speak to your youth, is to get to know, not only your child relationship and viewpoint on on alcohol and other substances, but also on your own. Trying to understand where your, you know, relationship is at. If you're using, why are you using, and just trying to be like as compassionate with yourself during this process, because it is difficult. 

Chantelle: Mhm. It does always start, you know, with us, right? You know, when we're having those conversations to understand what our thoughts and beliefs and behaviors are so that we can be self-aware and authentic in those conversations that we're having and understand, you know, what, what modeling or practices that our kids might have been observing as they've grown up and developed and how that might be, you know, partly contributing to how they might be considering using or using now, along with all the factors related to peers and kind of those social factors as well.

Sarah: Yeah, I love that you bring the social factors too, because that is such a major component, you know, how we're marketed to use substances, how substances are uh projected on in media and other, you know, areas of entertainment. It's, it's really important to recognize that it is impacting some of our choices. The substance use, spectrum is another important thing to know as a parent when you're talking to youth and, and reflecting on your own use, because it is, you know, it's not a black and white sort of situation where you either use or you don't, and it's bad or it's good. Like there's definitely some, uh lots of gray area. There's times we use substances that are very beneficial for our lives, and they can have positive social effects. That is, absolutely true. And then we talked about, you know, alcohol specifically, but with all substances, there is the lower risks. You know, when you're occasionally using, making sure you have your, you know, limits in place and, and then as we move along the spectrum, then we can start seeing when substances are used and problems are occurring, all the way down the line to a substance use disorder, which is when, uh, decisions are being made to use substances, even though they don't want to use them. So that can be a really difficult space to be in, and that's where professional help is, is definitely recommended. 

But getting to know where you land on the spectrum is very helpful and, and then offering that information to your youth as well. 

Chantelle: Yeah, and I know when we talked about some of the stats locally, we talked about grade 7 to 12, and so, you know, from that parent and caregiver perspective thinking about when those conversations start. Right?, and, and how to start having those conversations so that there is that foundation as other social factors come into play or exposure to other substances in social situations happen or that curiosity arises, you know, are we starting,, in those intermediate years having those conversations so that, uh, our, our young people know who they can talk to and know how to have conversations that might feel more vulnerable. 

Sarah: Yeah, and I mean, the beautiful part about substance use prevention is it really is entangled with other protective factors that we're offering our young people, and then re reducing risk factors as well. So, uh, protective factors like stable environments, uh, positive family caregiver relationships, all these things can build resilience. Also, you know, emotional education, so bringing mental wellness conversations early, uh, into the classrooms and, and starting, you know, very, very young, right, in the early years of, of what it means to feel anger, to feel sadness, to feel isolated, and how can we communicate those feelings in a way that allows us to feel seen and validated and not having to hide and you know, reach for other things later in life to cope with those feelings that weren't processed.

So that is, in and of itself going to prevent substance use later on. It just happens in a different way. Things like having access to, uh, Activities, you know, sports and things like that can really build on those skills of resilience, getting enough sleep, so sleep hygiene and nutrition, things like that, making sure you're building that into your child's life. We'll give them, tools and then having these open conversations. So when they're faced with risk factors that we can't really avoid that might, you know, happen, anxiety is a thing, you know, depression happens to our youth. They may be, you know, approached about, with substances and, and it will become something that they have to address on their own individually. We can't always be there beside them as parents and so giving them those strong foundations. Can really help reduce use later. 

Chantelle: You know, schools really do contribute to those protective factors, as well as specific, mental health literacy and learning, uh, around kind of understanding emotions and managing stress and accessing help-seeking strategies and so knowing that, you know, sometimes we're addressing substance use, more explicitly, and other times those foundations that we're building are really connected to some of those prevention and uh resilience uh protective factors as well.

Sarah: Some of these risk factors. You know, are fixed. They're not things that we can change. So, you know, maybe individual level or family and friends level or even the school and community level, there's always gonna be things that are going to be more difficult for us and we, you know, we can't always fix that. But when the ones that we can influence are the ones we want, we want to focus on more so. Again, uh, building those really strong relationships and, and doing that hard work can be, very helpful later on in life when having to make those harder decisions.

And one of the things that came out of the center of the developing child through the Harvard University is that, and it's a quote, so I'm gonna read it because it's really important:

 “So the single most common. factor for children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult.”

And so that's always driven home to me, just knowing that, you know, we can make a difference in these little ones' lives by just being present, listening to what they're saying, and not coming in with that agenda of, you know, “you're not to do XYZ”, like we want to make sure that we're reciprocating that trust and, and developing that young, so when they do face any, you know, difficult times, they have somebody to, to connect with. 

Chantelle: Yeah. I really, you know, that, that resonates with me as well and certainly something we talk about in the context of, of education and that you never know when you're that young person's caring adult or, or sometimes we're not always aware of the impact or the role that we play in, in building these protective factors, but school does play such an important role in that alongside parents and caregivers in in the community.

I think one thing you said that, you know, stands out for me as a parent, and I'll, I'll name it is, is that there's risk factors that we can't control as parents and caregivers that our, young people will face over the course of their development and at certain points for whatever they're facing or navigating, those, those risk factors, those situations might be more tricky,than at other times. And so, you know, how do we support them in developing those skills and pathways for critical thinking and problem solving and help seeking, because those are those transferable skills that we want them to have in all of those situations.

But, you know, it's hard as a parent not having control over some of those things that in conversations like this one around substance use, can feel really scary. 

Sarah: Oh, yes. And allowing our, our children to forge their own path in this, in this way and not, you know, cheerleading, but not being, trying to protect them because that's just not, not going to be possible. And that made me think too of, you know, there will be, just based on statistics and how common we know substances are in our, in our community, but also like across many communities, when, when we do see our children using substances, like that's not game over, that's not a failure as a parent.

There are still lots that can be done, you know, again, going back to that idea of like how, how do we keep our children safe and how to reduce the harms. So if your youth or child is using substances, then the conversation can shift and like, OK, how can you do this in a way that's safer? And allowing them to sort of explore that world that they are choosing to explore in a way that, that's as safe as it can be. And so, I mean, some practical things about how to even spot early signs of substance use…

Chantelle: Ya, please tell us. That’s helpful.

Sarah: …can be, can be helpful,because if you're in that space as a parent trying to figure out what's, you know, what's really going on when they won't open their door, they won't have a conversation that easily about it.

So this again comes with Drug Free Kids Canada, talking about, you know, demanding for privacy. So, and I will, segue this with by saying like a lot of these signs of early substance use also can be common just with uh, the transition of, of teenage years, so we, we definitely want to keep that in mind. But, uh, demand for privacy, isolation, so if your, your child is usually very social and, and it seems to be withdrawing or not doing their usual socialization and-  I would, you know, start to ask questions.

Money is another one, so if they have extra money or don't have a lot of money, you're not sure what money is going and or coming, just being kind of heightened, a little heightened awareness of that. Academic issues, is another one. And then uh just finding some paraphernalia around is, is something that can flag that maybe there's something going on. So these are things that you're, you know, identifying, and again, even if it's not related to substance, it can be perhaps indicating that the, the child or youth is, is experiencing, you know, stress or depression or anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts.

So, so leading, the conversation with compassion, going back to that word and, and support, not sort of you know, jumping to conclusions, but wanting to identify, you start to see these changes and that's where you're sort of like, OK, what's going on here? Can I help you with anything? Also asking other members of your child or youth community can help as well. So reaching out to the school, have you noticed anything, just kind of starting to pick- piece together, and, and sort of rallying around that young one who might need some help at that time.

Even if they are, you know, pushing back or denying it, there's ways to kind of, to do that, that, and it makes them feel less attacked and more, you know, looked after, and in that same resource, there are tools on how to communicate about substance use with your youth too. So how you do it is almost as important as, as doing it. 

Chantelle: Yeah, I know that one strategy that can be really helpful, you know, whether it is a curiosity or wondering around substance use or it's just noticing some of those changes is to to name what you're noticing and, and get curious to say like, “hey, I've been noticing you're spending more time in your, your room lately. That's kind of a change from how things used to be. What's up?”, and just creating the space and, and coming back to that question, if you don't get an answer the first time that, we can circle back and, and kind of approach it another way or offer that space to come back to the conversation. But the, the gentle, like naming. What we're seeing and then the “what’s up?” , I find it can, it can be a really nice formula. 

Sarah: That's exactly it, yeah, keeping that open mind, being patient with yourself, yeah, really giving yourself a lot of grace in this kind of scenario because it's really challenging and of course, yeah, there's a lot of different reasons, your youth may not want you to know or want not want to open up, and we have to, you know, accept that as, as is and continue to try to, gentle approaches, knowing what your clear goals are. So as a parent, you, you know, to set boundaries, on substance use related. To your home environment or siblings or things like that, completely appropriate and important, being honest. So being honest about your own use of substances is, is also, and again, going back to what you were saying, Chantelle about naming, just giving, you know, time and, and voice to “mommy uses alcohol, and I want to talk about my relationship” like that being that open, honest self is, important. 

We also talk about the setting. So, you know, finding a comfortable setting. Announcing a sit down meeting is typically met with resistance, and it won't maybe reach uh the way you were hoping, but if you can, you know, go for a walk or sit somewhere like in a park or something more organic, natural, bringing up these, you know, heavier topics, going back to the idea that there's probably an underlying reason or purpose, uh, for the substance use, yeah, it's not best, it's not just in, in a defiance of, of what they, you know, they are living their own little lives in that time and so wanting to just be there for that.

And then leading with curiosity. Yeah, getting curious about why. 

Chantelle: Yeah, I'm thinking about, you know, the, the car conversations or the conversations while you're cooking dinner or when you're doing these other things and I know sometimes the strategy of saying, you know, “my intention is of, kind of checking in right now, is around making sure that you're safe. It's not about getting you in trouble”, and so kind of laying those intentions to help guide the conversation might… and then you have to follow up on that and figure out what that's gonna, gonna look like.

But that focus on, on safety can also be a, an, an inroad to the conversation with our, with our young people.

Sarah: Agreed. Yeah. And if you're finding that is, is not, you know, making the waves that you're hoping, and it's, it's not moving the needle, there's other things to do, just, uh, behind the scenes to protect your youth. So, uh, we think about things like access, for example. So we know, we've seen, uh, statistically, uh, a significant increase in youth accessing prescription opioids and misusing that prescription. So as a parent or, you know, a family member knowing that, that's a potential and so wanting to make sure if you have prescriptions in your house, you should know what they are and where they are, uh, making sure they're out of reach and, Even going to things like cannabis. So if you're using any cannabis products uh in your house, again, keeping them safe, but also when you dispose of things, like, no, like keeping that in mind that who has access to what, like that can be a really important factor to keeping young one safe. Also, there is uh a challenge that we're having, which is youth purchasing what we call counterfeit pills online. So, these can be substances like that are either uh prescriptions that are being sold or they're marketed as a certain kind of medication, but have uh fentanyl in the medication and the pills. So…

Chantelle: So are there certain platforms that this tends to happen on? 

Sarah: Yeah, so we have heard that Snapchat is a popular one because it deletes the, information so quickly and so, uh, that would be one, but any social, gaming platform as well would be something to be kind of aware of. So being involved in what your child's online life is like and using, any tools that are available. Uh, sometimes there are, abilities for parents to sort of monitor the accounts or things like that. That can be another way that in the background, keeping your, your youth or child safe, because the really, and I will take a moment just to talk about fentanyl, you know, there has been a lot of media attention to the opioid toxicity crisis that's happening in our country and specifically in our community, and fentanyl is uh something you, you can't see, you can't smell, and you can't taste it. So if it is embedded into a drug that your, your youth is purchasing, thinking they're buying, let's say, like an Adderall or some sort of medication, there's potential for fentanyl to be in that medication. And so this is information that you really need to know but it's also possi… it would also be uh beneficial and recommended that if there is potential for opioid use, with, uh, to keep a naloxone kit in the home and also encourage your, your youth to have a naloxone kit, with them if they're going out to parties or places where drugs may be used and substances may be accessed. 

Chantelle: Sarah, can you tell us a little bit more about what is naloxone and a naloxone kit and, and where parents and caregivers might find one of these, if that's something that they wanted to have on hand. 

Sarah: Yeah, I'd love to because I really, I did want to touch on fentanyl. It's not as much as the prevention conversation. It is absolutely something that we are very concerned with and I think everybody is. So fentanyl in itself is, you know, compared to, let's say a Tylenol 3. So, uh, it is almost 700 times stronger than it, and then that kind of medication. And thinking how strong a Tylenol 3 is if you've ever had some surgery or dental, you know, repairs and had to have that in your home. And so it is, it's very dangerous and naloxone is, is the antidote. So if you had an opioid poisoning happening, so the opioid is, is binding to the, the respiratory receptors, the naloxone medication, once once given, so it can be nasal or injected, it will in in like reverse that, respiratory depression and instantly reverse the overdose.

It's very important for youth and parents to know that the opioid poisoning is a medical emergency, so calling 911, but also if you can administer naloxone that really can increase the, the chances of survival if uh, if opioid poisoning is happening, and we, we did use to call them overdoses. That was the, the terminology, but because it doesn't take very much, it can be just a very tiny amount, and it's not that somebody is taking more medication than is intended and having that response. It's that it is, it is hidden and it's so it's, it's different terminology now, changing from overdose to toxicity. 

Chantelle: …and also we know that if there is that concern and there, is the naloxone, given that there's no harm for the person receiving that naloxone. And so that, that oftentimes there's that concern that, you know, should I, should it be given or not, I think it's, it's really important to talk about the, the decision-making process if there's a, if there is a concern that maybe somebody is, is being impacted by.

Sarah: Yeah, absolutely. We, we weren't, there was a time too, we weren't sure about if there was a woman who is potentially pregnant. Can you give naloxone? But even that has been cleared. There is no negative repercussions to giving naloxone. So if somebody is unconscious and there is a chance that that is the reason, then naloxone should be given. And, and having naloxone available, it's not meant to normalize or encourage substance use. We need to be very clear about that. It's meant to normalize and support safer use.

So, wanting to make sure we're protecting our, our youth in our community. It can save a life if an accidental poisoning occurs. 

Chantelle: Yeah. And, and just to share with, you know, our listeners and and parents and caregivers that Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board does have a naloxone kind of policy, where it is available in all of our schools along with all of the other first aid and emergency kind of kits as one of those resources if that is a concern, in order to have it accessible, to support safety and emergencies.

Sarah: Yeah, and all, local pharmacies also you, you can access naloxone, so it's available for free, and you don't need a health card either. You can go in and, and receive that me a life-saving medication, anonymously. ‘Cause there, we recognize there is still stigma as much as we are trying to break down those barriers and, and reduce the focus on, you know, the, the negative or why, and it's more about how, how can we help keep people safe? Knowing the substances is something that we all interact with in our communities, uh, day in and day out. Yeah, and there's, uh, so the naloxone is, is a harm reducing technique for opioid use. We do have other recommendations for each of our, substances we name. So, For example, when, so we talked about uh standard drink sizes for alcohol, but if you have a youth who is using cannabis, there is a guideline to how to use cannabis safer, and that can be accessed online and definitely considering, you know, the frequency of use is important. So if you do have a youth who's using cannabis, you know, really understanding how often they're using it and how much and trying to help them understand that that is a factor that can increase the harm.

There's also in, in Canada, our regulated cannabis products have a THC level as well as the CBD level on all products, and that does impact. So the THC is the psychoactive ingredient, and how much THC is in a product will directly impact the response. So if you are, you know, talking to a youth who's using cannabis, trying to help them understand like if they can use a, a product that has lowest amounts of THC and even a little higher amount of CBD it can help them prevent them from, you know, what they would say greening out or feeling sick or having those negative consequences of using cannabis.

And then we are keeping edibles or anything that is in the home, locked in a way and not accessible to children. It's really important too. 

Chantelle: Yeah. Well, I know, you know, there's a lot of information that we've talked about today in terms of alcohol, cannabis, and opioids, and thinking about substance use on a spectrum from no use all the way through that spectrum to a substance use disorder, and that the importance of trying to look at, delayed substance use and those prevention strategies while also being open to these harm reduction conversations and safety focused conversations so that there is that safe pathway to talk about yes, some of these conversations with a safe adult, whether that is the parent or caregiver or one of the helping professionals or staff at a school, or whether it is somebody in the community that there that there are lots of people to have these conversations with, when there is a concern. And so sometimes if, if as a parent we feel like we're getting stuck in that conversation or it's not unfolding the way we had hoped that there is other people to tag in and, and to support that, that conversation and, and to support you as the, as the parent, as part of that young person's circle of care as well.

So I wonder, we covered a lot, Sarah. I'm wondering, is there anything that we were hoping to cover today that we hadn't that we hadn't gotten to yet or something that you want to end our conversation with? 

Sarah: Yeah, we did cover a lot. I agree…

Chantelle: We did! 

Sarah: …and I think, you know, some of the final tips and takeaways I would want to highlight really is going back to the parents and care providers, you know, it's important to know where to find resources, so where to get those statistics and get those fact-based conversations started.

So we have a list on our website. So the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, does have some sites with all of the resources listed, and we can, I think, share them, possibly in the, in the notes in this, on this podcast, so that's really good, but yeah, just wanting to, you know, create those opportunities for connection. So either, you know, sports and, and not even just connection between ourselves and our children, but also connections between our children and other, youth, so wanting to foster those really good strong relationships that can help them build those resiliency, uh, foundational characteristics that we were talking about. And creating and creating family time whenever possible, supporting relationships and those fostering those connections.

We chatted about signs. So, you know, speak up if you do see signs that you're concerned about with your youth and child. And if you're, you know, struggling to to connect directly, bring in the village: talk to the, the educators, talk to the other adults that are in your child's life and, and start to have those open dialogues, you know, out of a place of concern and, support. 

Chantelle: Yeah. 

Sarah: And always leading with that openness and compassion. 

Chantelle: Yeah, and thinking about it from that, you know, recognizing where the brain is at in that state of development and understanding that this curiosity and, and, you know, risk taking exploration is part of the development in in some ways and in what ways can we help foster those healthy risk-taking situations, whether it's through sport or through activities where they can engage in healthy risk taking that way and how to have these conversations around, around substances.

And so I, I really appreciate our conversation today, Sarah. I think our parent/ caregiver listeners and in the community in Simcoe Muskoka, it was helpful for us to review some of those local statistics, the information and, and resources and to review, you know, what we need to know and consider around substance use among young people, particularly around alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. 

So, uh, listeners, we hope this episode was helpful and that it gave you some information, to help understand substance use among youth and a starting point for both the conversations on substance use as well as bolstering some of those protective factors in the children and, and youth in your family and those you support.

And thank you so much to Sarah and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for being here with us today. 

Sarah: Thank you so much. Have a great day. 

Thanks for listening to Beyond The Bell podcast. We hope you found today's episode helpful. 

Beyond the Bell is brought to you by the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and our Catholic Parent Involvement Committee. It's hosted by Chantelle Quesnelle. Pauline Stevenson is our executive producer. Episodes are produced and edited by Portage Creative. You can find our show notes and previous episodes on our podcast website, beyondthebell.ca. 

If you like today's episode, leave us a review. If you have any suggestions for future episodes or any questions or comments about Beyond the Bell podcast, you can send an email to info@smcdsb.on.ca. Thanks again for joining us. We'll see you next time.