Event for northern Ont. parents struggling to talk to kids about drugs, alcohol

A high school student is lucky to be alive after overdosing on a THC vape pen that was laced with fentanyl in Indianapolis.

Northern Ontario parents struggling to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol will get the chance to ask national experts some hard questions in a series of events.

Drug Free Kids Canada is bringing its ‘A Strong Start: Navigating Stress, Coping and Substance Use in Youth’ presentation to three northern cities -- Kirkland Lake, Englehart, and Temiskaming Shores -- later this month.

“This free session will give parents and caregivers useful tools to talk with their children about alcohol, vaping, cannabis and other substances, before problems start,” event organizer Planet Youth Timiskaming said in a news release.

“The event is family-friendly, with presentations in English and French, free childcare on-site, door prizes and a free dinner.”

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A 2023 survey of local Grade 10 and 11 students found that one in three youth had their first drink of alcohol by age 13, and about 25 per cent had been drunk within the last month.

When it comes to vaping, the survey showed four in 10 students have tried vaping.

“Seeing how many students are trying substances at a young age shows why these conversations matter,” Erika Aelterman, of Planet Youth Timiskaming, is quoted as saying in the news release.

“These information sessions are a rare chance to ask the hard questions, hear from national experts and connect with other caregivers.”

Steve Keller is one of the presenters.

“Talking to your kids about substance use doesn’t have to be awkward or overwhelming,” he said.

“This session is about building strong communication early, so our kids are better able to handle peer pressure and stress.”

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The first of the three northern presentations is happening May 27 at Kirkland Lake District Composite School.

“Doors open and a free dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., the presentation from 6–7 p.m. and a Q&A to follow,” organizers said.

On May 28, the presentation will be held at Englehart High School and May 29 will be Timiskaming District Secondary School’s turn to host the event.

People are asked to register in advance online.