Dusting: A Dangerous Teen Trend Hiding in Plain Sight
Dusting: A Dangerous Teen Trend Hiding in Plain Sight By Cassandra JesikTeens are ‘dusting’ - and it has nothing to do with chores. Instead, kids are inhaling the chemicals inside cans of aerosol duster or keyboard cleaner to get a quick high. This dangerous fad is one every parent should have on their radar. It can lead to serious health issues such as heart problems, brain damage, and, in some cases, even sudden death.How Teens Use Aerosol Sprays to Get HighThe trend, known as dusting, is a form of inhalant abuse that’s quietly making its rounds on social media and in peer groups. These aerosol products contain dangerous chemicals which are never meant to be inhaled. The effects hit fast: Dizziness, hallucinations, and a brief sense of euphoria.Why Dusting Is So DangerousVideos on social media might make trends like dusting seem harmless and even “silly.” It’s important for teens to understand that just because influencers or peers are doing something, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Experts warn that longer-term use can cause serious health issues. Earlier this summer, 19-year-old Renna Kay O’Rourke of Arizona tragically died after dusting. Her family has since spoken out against this social media trend to warn others. Another reason dusting is so dangerous is the sheer accessibility. Teens can grab these products at the store or order them online, making experimentation far too easy. While inhalant use is less common than vaping or using cannabis, teens may be more willing to try dusting simply because it’s a household product and they underestimate the risks.Signs Your Teen May Be DustingEmpty or hidden spray cans Chemical smells on clothing or breath Burns or irritation around the mouth or hands Sudden mood changes, slurred speech, or disorientationHow to Talk to Talk to Your Teen About Dusting The best approach is having an open conversation with your teen:Asking what they’ve heard about dusting Sharing the risks in a calm, straightforward way Reminding them that “household” doesn’t equal “safe”The Bottom Line for Parents Above all, let your child know that they can come to you without judgment. Teens don’t experiment with inhalants because they want to hurt themselves - they do it out of curiosity, peer pressure, or because they think it’s less risky than other drugs. By staying calm, connected, and informed, you give them the best chance at making safer choices.
5 Reasons Why You Should Watch 13 Reasons Why With Your Teen
5 Reasons Why You Should Watch "13 Reasons Why" With Your TeenNetflix’s 13 Reasons Why has gained an incredible amount of popularity and criticism ever since its debut in 2017. The show tackles difficult issues like sexual assault, suicide, gun violence and bullying. Because of the explicit content of the show, parents have remained wary about their children watching it. However, Gary Direnfeld, counselor for over 35 years, says parents should not only let their teens watch the show but they should watch it with them. Here’s why.YOU CAN DECODE WHAT’S HAPPENING: The first reason to watch it together would be to help your teen decode some of what is happening on screen. “Sometimes watching intense, graphic scenes can be traumatic for people and it can overwhelm them,” says Direnfeld. “Having a parent there to help interpret what is going on, to provide support and emotional safety, can help the child integrate the experience without it being traumatic.” YOU CAN ASK HOW IT AFFECTS THEM: Talking to your child about how the show makes them feel is another good reason to watch it together. “Asking about the kind of impact that it has on your child is important because they could be going through something similar and it would be unhealthy for them to go through it alone,” says Direnfeld. “The thing that 13 Reasons Why teaches us is that children are exposed to explicit and extreme material on the Internet and we want to help them cope with that stream of material before they are actually exposed to it.” YOU CAN ASK WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH: Watching the show together can be a catalyst to discovering what your teen is going through. Some teens suffer from anxiety or depression or have gone through traumatic experiences and may feel shame and embarrassment, but having a parent to talk to offers them a way to figure those experiences out. They can learn how to manage and respond. YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES AT SCHOOL: Watching the show together gives parents a chance to ask their teen about their experiences at school, while also being able to instill their own morals and values, says Direnfeld. “Regardless of how a drama is critiqued, the explicit content is still there, and it exposes our children to behaviour that can be frightening and overwhelming,” he says. “From my perspective, it is what
