SBIRT Newsletters
Parent/Guardian SBIRT Newsletters
Please find below all SBIRT newsletters for the 2024-25 school year.
September 2024 – Underage Drinking
Seattle Public Schools SBIRT data suggests that 6% of middle schoolers and 11% of 9th graders have tried alcohol in the past year.
Overview
Students are saying that most of their alcohol use is occurring with parent permission or with adult supervision, in the form of small sips at parties, holidays, or religious activities.
Facts
Giving sips of alcohol might seem harmless, but a growing body of research indicates that it can increase chances of future dependency and excess drinking.* No amount of alcohol is safe for teens. In fact, delaying drinking until 21 years old can improve health outcomes.**
Question
“What about Europe?” There’s a common misperception that the earlier drinking age in Europe helps teens learn to drink in moderation, but data shows that European teens are more likely to binge drink and suffer long-term health problems.***
Call to Action
You can prevent underage drinking by talking with your child about alcohol. Reinforcing the legal drinking age of 21, setting family expectations around alcohol, and modeling a healthy approach to drinking are proven ways to keep your child safe and healthy.****
For more information about underage drinking, visit the SPS Prevention and Intervention page or contact your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist. Find your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist on the SBIRT Staff page.
*Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023
***U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2010
****American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Substance Abuse and Prevention, 2019
October 2024 – Bullying
Seattle Public Schools’ SBIRT data suggests that 19% of students in grades 7-9 have experienced bullying or harassment this year.
Overview
Bullying can harm entire communities and happens on and off school campuses, as well as online. It prevents youth from feeling safe and connected to their learning environments.*
Facts
Students who are bullied can experience physical, social, academic, emotional, and mental health concerns. Students who bully can engage in violent or risky behavior. Students who witness bullying can also experience mental health concerns and can engage in risky behavior too.**
Question
“Who can I contact if I’m concerned about my child being bullied or bullying others?” Sometimes families feel at a loss with supporting their child through bullying. Contacting your school’s school counselor, social worker, or administrator is a great start.
Call to Action
You can prevent bullying by talking openly with your child. Instead of “How was school?” try more specific questions like “What happens at lunch?” or “Who do you sit with?” You can also monitor devices and set parental limits to support their responsible online presence.**
For more information about bullying, visit the Bullying and Harassment Resources page or contact your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist. Find your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist on the SBIRT Staff page.
*American Psychological Association (APA), Students Experiencing Bullying, 2021
**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Stopbullying.gov, 2021
November – Eating Habits & Body Image
Seattle Public Schools’ SBIRT data suggests that 12% of students in grades 8-9 have concerning eating habits and/or body image.
Overview
Concerning eating habits can include skipping meals, vomiting, or taking diet pills to intentionally lose or control weight. These behaviors can be a sign of an eating disorder or distorted body image.*
Facts
Mass media provides a significantly influential context for people to learn about body ideals and the value placed on adhering to what is considered attractive in our society.** As students consume content on social media, it can influence their body image and eating habits.
Question
“Do eating disorders affect young boys and men?” Yes! About 1/4 of students who reported eating/body concerns identified as male. Males are more likely than other genders to experience muscle dysphoria or to excessively exercise or weight-train.***
Call to Action
You can support your child by expressing your acceptance of your child as they are, and by modeling healthy behaviors. You don’t have to be an expert, but talking about healthy eating, being active, and monitoring media use can help create healthy habits.****
For more information about eating habits or body image, visit the Eating Habits and Body Image Resources page or contact your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist. Find your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist on the SBIRT Staff Bios page.
*Eating Disorders – National Institute of Mental Health, 2024
**Media and Eating Disorders – National Eating Disorders Association, 2024
***Unrecognized Eating Disorders in Boys and Young Men – APA, 2024
****Teens – USDA, 2024
December – Anxiety
Seattle Public Schools’ SBIRT data suggests that 18% of students in grades 6-9 experienced symptoms of anxiety in the 2023-24 school year.
Overview
It can be difficult to see the difference between regular anxiety and problematic anxiety, especially in teens with high stress. Anxiety can become a problem when it has no reasonable cause, interferes with daily routines, or causes physical symptoms.*
Facts
Symptoms of anxiety can have major impacts on a student’s day. Beyond interfering with daily life (Like sleep, eating, and hygiene routines), anxiety can also affect a student’s academic performance, social outcomes, physical health, and even their safety.**
Question
“What are students anxious about?” In SBIRT brief interventions, student have emphasized academic and social factors as key sources of anxiety. However, causes of anxiety vary and it’s important to ask each teen about their feelings individually.
Call to Action
You can support your child by proactively helping them to develop positive social, coping, and problem-solving skills, and by encouraging access to mental health support. Teens can turn to coping mechanisms like substance use and self-harm when they lack the skills to cope with their feelings.**
For more information about anxiety, visit the Mental Health Resources page or contact your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist. Find your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist on the SBIRT Staff Bios page.
*Anxiety Disorders – World Health Organization (WHO), 2024
**Adolescent Mental Health – World Health Organization (WHO), 2024