Many thanks to the Thousand Oaks Acorn for writing this article about our recent Reality Parties for Parents. Drugs. Sex. Booze. They’re all commonplace at your average high school “rager,” say members of Straight Up Ventura County. Immaturity, risk-taking and excessiveness have long been a part of the teenage party scene, but do parents really [...]
By Becky | October 15, 2012
A new device promises to limit young peoples’ ability to use their handheld device while behind the wheel, the Wall Street Journal reports. California-based Location Labs is selling a tool that detects when the phone is in a moving car and limits the owner’s ability to make calls and texts. Features include cellphone screen lock, [...]
In December 2011, Katherine Kasmir and Matthew Goodkin-Gold were interviewed by Richard Senate for his Community Corner program on CAPS-TV Ventura. Many thanks to Richard and CAPS for allowing us to share excerpts from this video! There are three parts, approximately 10 minutes each. Watch the video on the Straight Up YouTube Channel
A helpful resource is available from the Partnership at DrugFree.org. How many teens are abusing prescription drugs — and why? And what can parents do to prevent this risky behavior? Find answers to these questions and more in this fact sheet. Download PDF fact sheet here
Drugfree.org reports of a new resource that will be valuable to parents regarding the issues of substance abuse and young people. The Parents Toll-Free Helpline, 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373), is staffed by clinical social workers with practical experience in substance abuse prevention and treatment. The helpline, launched by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, began taking calls in April 2011 and will offer bilingual [...]
In all 50 states, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. But what exactly is the law about providing alcohol to minors, anyway?
The red specks highlight where the integrity of the brain’s white matter is significantly less in the teens who binge drink, compared to those who do not. Photo: Susan Tapert/Tim McQueeny Many parents, though familiar with the idea that drinking alcohol can cause brain damage, are not familiar with newer research that points out how [...]
Ventura Improv Company and Straight Up Ventura County are pleased to participate in this important event! FORUM ON HOMELESSNESS IN VENTURA COUNTY presented by the League of Women Voters VC and the Social Services Task Force Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m. – Noon Department of Education, Camarillo Open to the public • FREE Light refreshments [...]
Do you really know where your teenagers are?
It’s Wednesday night and I am getting ready to go out with my friends to a club in West Hollywood. I am the designated driver and 23 years old. The destination is to an 18-and-over club that I have never been to before. Walking in is an amazing experience. The music is so loud and [...]