As a parent, I’m always asking my three children questions about what they’re seeing and hearing, and I try to stay in the loop by doing the research and asking other children and my middle school students, as well.
As a teacher, I hear about and see the trends our students follow as they're following them. It’s insane how quickly the trends blow in and out.
Here’s one that some of you may not have been privy to, and they're using Smarties. Yes, I know. It's such an innocent candy.
If you see your little ones with Smarties, monitor them closely. If your children are always asking you to buy them in excess, chances are that they may have gotten caught up in the “Smoking Smarties” trend, whether directly or indirectly.
Unfortunately, it is happening more commonly in the elementary and middle schools. Although it’s older, please do not think that this trend is outdated. I learned about it from my own children, my middle school students, and then I took the little knowledge I had to the internet to learn more.
Here’s what’s happening: Children are crushing Smarties up into fine dust, inhaling them in, and blowing them out like smoke. Some are going as far as snorting the Smarties. Do the research.
Next steps: After I learned what I needed to learn about this trend, I called all my children together. I started with asking them what they knew about the topic; and after they shared, I proceeded to have a serious discussion with them about my thoughts on “smoking and snorting Smarties.” I didn’t end there; I used this opportunity to talk to them about real drugs, once again (we have these talks continuously). This behavior is too similar to what we’ve learned about snorting cocaine. Have a conversation with your children.
Parents, discuss with your children the dangers of such behavior. It’s more than just “children being children” or innocent child-like games. These behaviors promote pre-smoking behaviors, as well as other dangerous drug-associated behaviors.
Observe your children. Listen to them. Hear what they have to say. Educate yourself. Educate your children.
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