For parents, keeping up with the latest trends in teen drug and alcohol use can be challenging. The Huron Valley Community Coalition is helping families stay informed through an interactive program designed to show parents what they might actually encounter in a teenager’s bedroom.
The coalition, a local nonprofit that partners with Huron Valley Schools, offers a Mock Bedroom experience featuring more than 70 items that can serve as potential warning signs of substance use.
“When parents step into our mock bedroom, they are going to see different devices that are used for vaping, using cannabis products, as well as different cover-up items,” said Jordyn Najduk, executive director of the Huron Valley Community Coalition.
The display includes examples of products and items that may be unfamiliar to parents, along with things that can be used to mask odors or otherwise conceal substance use.
The goal isn't to encourage parents to jump to conclusions, but to help them recognize items they may not have seen when they were growing up and better understand how substance use can look different today.
“Drug use looks very different for today’s teenagers than it did when they were growing up,” Najduk said. “Making sure that they have the best information possible so that way they’re one step ahead of our kids is very important.”
The Mock Bedroom is one of the coalition’s prevention and education resources designed to give parents information they can use to have informed conversations with their children.
The Huron Valley Community Coalition also provides free prevention materials and regularly updates its website with resources for families and community members.
Parents and community members can learn more about the coalition and access prevention resources at hvcoalition.org.
Through education, awareness and community partnerships, the coalition continues working to help Huron Valley-area youth make healthy choices and remain drug- and alcohol-free for as long as possible.