Upstream Parent - A Parent's Guide to Cortland County Teens

Alcohol and Other Drugs

GIRLS IN CORTLAND COUNTY OUTPACING BOYS IN DRINKING

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJuly 12, 2024

Understanding the Situation Data from the 2023 Cortland County Youth Survey draws attention to a troubling trend: a notable percentage of girls, especially those in grades 11-12, are involved in alcohol use and binge drinking. 23% of girls in grades 11-12 reported drinking

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Effective Strategies for Preventing Substance Use Among LGBTQ+ Teens

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJune 6, 2024

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) teens are more likely to be bullied, experience depressive symptoms, adverse childhood experiences, and suicidal ideation and are less likely to have an adult in their family with whom they can turn. So, it’s no surprise

Uncategorized

Halloween Safety isn’t so Scary!

BysbarrowsOctober 17, 2023

The spookiest night of the year is almost here! While CACTC may be a bit too old for trick-or-treating, it’s important to remember that Halloween safety is no ghost story. The scariest monster out on October 31st is actually cars! Children on Halloween are more than twice as

Uncategorized

Combating Sleep Deprivation: A Back to School Guide for Parents and Teens

BysbarrowsSeptember 5, 2023

Sleep plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of teenagers. While it is recommended that teens get at least 8 hours of sleep or more each night, many teens fall short of that goal. In 2022, only 43% of Cortland County 7-12th graders got the recommended

Uncategorized

Facing Bullying Head-On: Back to School Guide for Parents and Teens

BysbarrowsAugust 10, 2023

As backpacks are filled, schedules arranged, and school bells ready to ring, the back-to-school season signals a new beginning for countless parents and teens. However, amidst the excitement and preparation, students will be readying themselves for a different concern at

Uncategorized

Teen Binge Drinking Explained

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJune 19, 2023

What is considered binge drinking for teens? Binge drinking is a word we often hear, and use, but many of us might not understand what binge drinking actually is. As parents—it’s important to know that binge drinking can look and mean something very different for your older

Uncategorized

Dads Matter: The Impact of Fathers on Positive Child Development

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJune 17, 2023

Fathers, you’re not just figures in a family portrait, more than that guy in sneakers manning the grill, more than just the person who handles the spider; to your kids you’re guides, mentors, and protectors. A father’s importance in child development matches that of mothers,

Uncategorized

Safe Party: Hosting a Safe Party for Your Teen

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJune 12, 2023

Research has found that teens are most likely to use alcohol, or other drugs, for the first time in the months of June and July. We also know from our yearly survey of over 1,800 Cortland County 7th-12th graders that the most common places teens report drinking are at their

Alcohol and Other Drugs

S.U.M.M.E.R. 6 TIPS TO PREVENT TEEN ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE THIS SUMMER

ByCortland Area Communities That CaresJune 5, 2023

This article is sponsored content from Cortland Prevention Resources: A Division of Family Counseling Services As summer vacation approaches, it can be a challenging time for both youth and parents. Adolescents have plenty of free time, while parents often struggle to

Uncategorized

How To Talk To Your Teen About Marijuana Use

ByMegan SticcoApril 18, 2023

Talking to your teen about marijuana use can be a challenging conversation to have as a parent. In 2022, 90% of students in Cortland County reported in the youth survey that they had not used marijuana in the past 30 days.1 However, over half of Cortland County students