Episode 23: How Our Youth Really Feel About Substances and More: Breaking Down PAYS Data Part 1

What if we knew what our kids really thought about drugs and alcohol? What if we knew how much youth in our community are using substances AND how they felt about peer and parent substance use? Lucky for us we do have this insight thanks to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey or PAYS. Today Chrissie, Bethann and Sarah Brooks, Student Assistance Specialist at Downingtown Area School District (DASD), are talking all things PAYS. They explain what this survey asks and how the data is used, and highlight what DASD is doing really well and also stats that stood out as things to address. Bethann also explains the power of perception and how this impacts behavior, and the role of social norms, i.e. “everyone is doing it”--when we know NOT everyone actually is. This is Part 1 focusing on risk and protective factors and substance use and perceptions. There will be a Part 2 focusing on mental health coming soon. Join us! 

Things we mentioned in this episode:

Read the full PAYS Report for 2021

Parents are the #1 influence in a child’s decision making

DASD’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides support for students and families with any concern about mental health and substance use

DASD has Counselors and Prevention Specialists that can help!

Check out our podcast episode with Gretchen Hagenbuchall about marijuana.

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Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.