Superintendents Message:Listening to Our Young People

In 2008-09 Wayne Local Schools participated in a two county survey sponsored by the Clinton County Family and Children First Council, the Warren County Family and Children First Council and the Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton County. The survey was administered to 6th - 12th graders. The report of results and subsequent recommendations does not specifically identify students from Waynesville; however there are some interesting points of interest I would like to share:

• Youth in the region who drank were more likely to also use other substances such as cigarettes, marijuana, or stimulants, and to abuse prescription drugs, which are defined as using a prescription drug that has not been subscribed to you. Additionally their friends are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. These students were less likely to agree with the statement that their family had clear rules about what they can or cannot do. Youth in the region who drank alcohol were less likely to report their parents had praised them for a good job or say they are proud of them; check their homework regularly; or limit TV time, computer time or time with friends on school nights. Students in our area spent a large amount of time watching TV, playing video games, and on the computer.
• Slightly fewer youth in our region smoke than youth across the country, but use of other tobacco products (snuff and chewing tobacco) is slightly higher.
• The youth in our region who use alcohol and tobacco are using it in the community, not at school. Youth often use alcohol and tobacco in private residences or in open areas, such as parks.
• Fewer youth in our region also reported using marijuana or hashish than youth in the nation. For all other drugs, non-medical use of prescription drugs or using prescription medication that was not prescribed to you was highest for Clinton and Warren County youth. This supports observations revealed by Warren Co. Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel at a round table with school officials last spring.

What does this mean for parents and adults?
• Parents should know who their child's friends are, how their child spends his or her time, and be aware of potential influences.
• Parents can support their child in a variety of ways and for many reasons, such as to help their child with personal development or school performance.
• Parents and adults should express that drug use, underage drinking, tobacco use is unacceptable and dangerous.
• Parents should talk about the hazards of riding with an individual who has been drinking and create a safety plan with their child, giving options for what the child can do if he or she finds him or herself in a situation where the driver has been drinking.
• Parents and adults should monitor youth's access to alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs in their homes as well as in the community.
• The community should support young people making positive decisions.
• The community should create a culture where substance abuse is not acceptable.
• Schools can ensure students feel connected to the school environment as this is proven to reduce the likelihood of a variety of risk behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Here at Wayne Local we encourage our students to participate in the large number of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities we offer to our youth and young adults. The community can also connect students to 4-H and various youth groups.
• Youth in Clinton and Warren Counties have generally positive thoughts about school, acknowledging that it is wrong to skip school. They report getting good grades in general. These positive attitudes about school reflect a positive school environment, which is in part affected by relationships between students and teachers. Students report that teachers are willing to talk one-on-one with them. Students were less positive regarding homework and reported it was "often" or "almost always" not meaningful or important. Students like when schools recognize their good work and it is important that schools provide positive feedback to their parents.
• Students in Clinton and Warren County have future plans, the vast majority said they would "definitely" or "probably" attend college in pursuit of a 4-year degree, additionally more than half said they would "definitely" or "probably" go on to graduate or professional school.

For more information about the survey, including highlights on specific topics, please visit www.mhrsonline.org/ohioyouthsurvey

Pat Dubbs, Superintendent