June 9: Rainbow Board invites parents/guardians to “Let’s Talk Drugs”

How do you talk to your kids about drugs, alcohol and vaping? Start by being part of the dialogue when Rainbow District School Board partners with Drug Free Kids Canada to host a session for parents/guardians on Monday, June 9, 2025.

“Let’s Talk Drugs: Spotlight on Alcohol, Cannabis and Nicotine” will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm in the Auditorium at Lockerby Composite School. The presentation will be livestreamed to Espanola High School and Manitoulin Secondary School.

A light meal will be provided at all locations. Register by June 1, 2025 at the link below. Capacity is limited. Don’t delay. Register today.

According to Drug Free Kids Canada, 90 percent of people living with addiction began using substances in adolescence. (Source: National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse, CASA)

The presentation will focus on why youth use substances, statistics, key terms, impact on the brain, health risks and costs. The presentation is geared to parents/guardians of students in Grades 6 to 12, but everyone is welcome.

“Drug Free Kids Canada encourages age appropriate conversations,” says Sarah Clarke, Mental Health Lead for Rainbow District School Board. “Parents/guardians will learn strategies to engage their children in a dialogue about drugs, alcohol and vaping.”

She adds: “Openly talking about substance use will encourage children to make healthy choices and reduce potential harm. It’s not an easy subject, but it is one that is essential in order to foster mental health and well-being.”

“We believe in empowering parents in their efforts to help their kids develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they will need to achieve their goals, dreams and aspirations free of problematic substance use,” says Drug Free Kids Canada Program Developer Steve Keller.

He adds: “Parents/guardians will obtain valuable resources and gain practical tools to begin honest and meaningful conversations with kids to help them develop the knowledge, resilience, attitudes and skills to make their own healthy choices as they navigate the teen years.”

-30-

Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217