Newsletter MADD Teen Influencer October 2024: Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Halloween Safety
Upcoming Event
Every 15 Minutes
Willow shares about her experience with the Every 15 Minutes program, as a part of the film crew.
Ben details dangers to look out for on Halloween and how to be safe while still having a good time.
Learn about the 2024 MADD Teen Influencer Summit, coming up on November 16th at Los Nietos Middle School.
1 by Willow Roberts, MADD Teen Influencer The Every 15 Minutes Program is a two-day program geared towards high school juniors and seniors. The program challenges students to consider the consequences of drinking and driving, personal safety, responsibility, mature decisions, and knowing that their actions can affect others. On the first day, all juniors and seniors are taken outside to watch a simulated drunk driving accident. On the second, they attend an assembly/“funeral” for the deceased in the accident and listen to first-hand accounts regarding drinking and driving. For the students who explicitly joined the program, we would be on the set of the simulated drunk driving scene, visit the police station/jail, the courthouse, A Countdown to Reality: The Every 15 Minutes Program’s Impact
and the funeral home– where we experienced our own, more realistic funeral for the actor who died in the film. As a cinematographer, I spent hours and hours with my film crew discussing, planning, and filming the story
MADD Teen Influencer
October 2024
leading up to the crash. It took a lot of work, long nights, and sacrifice. However, I knew that if even one person from my high school could look back to the film or assembly day before drinking and driving or
getting into the car with a drunk driver, it would be worth it. I wanted to join the Every 15 Minutes Program because I felt strongly about the matter and felt that my skills as a filmmaker could help make a difference. As I visited
each place–the crash site, jail cell, police station, funeral home–it only had more of an impact on me. I realized just how fragile our lives are, and how sacred they are to protect. Click here to watch the full video.
Ask A Teen Influencer Looking for some advice? Submit questions anonymously with the link below or by clicking on the icon to the left. MADD Teen Influencers may respond to your question on the next episode of Healthy Teen Talks! TINYURL.COM/MADDTEENADVICE
MADD Teen Influencer
October 2024
Halloween is my favorite holiday. Between the scary movies, dressing up, and all that free candy, there really is nothing not to love about it. When we are younger, our parents are involved on Halloween night, supervising while we “trick or treat” into the night. But as teenagers, the adults are out of the picture, and we are out with friends on one of the best nights of the year. Plus, our parents aren’t driving us anymore, so it is really up to us to make the smartest choices on our own. by Ben Haworth, MADD Teen Influencer Halloween Safety & the Dangers of Teen Drinking 2
Driving, and even walking, on Halloween night has its own set of risks. With trick or treaters walking in the streets, and more people out in the evening than usual, it is wise to take extra caution on that particular night. Many people are going to parties and possibly drinking, so it only increases the chances of an incident. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that between 2012-2016, “drunk drivers caused 44% of traffic fatalities on Halloween.” Even teens who don’t have a driver’s license are at risk of being hit by a vehicle. Safe Kids Worldwide reported, “twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year.”
MADD Teen Influencer
October 2024
As teenagers, we all want to go to parties. Our social group rules our lives in high school. Every teen wants to be accepted by their peers, but if drinking is a part of the party, saying “no” can be difficult. Peer pressure, combined with the need to “fit in”, increases the risk of drinking. Another dangerous thing to consider is that often, alcohol, especially beer, is viewed as harmless. A few beers at a party can seem like nothing to a teenager, but any alcohol consumption is dangerous. The risk of binge drinking at parties is high as well, again due to peer pressure and the idea that beverages like beer are harmless. These statistics are definitely scary, but it not should not stop teens from going out and having a good night. First, make sure your parents know where you are. It’s a good idea just in case you need a ride home and are stuck at a party with a friend that cannot drive. Parents want to hear from us and connect. You’d be surprised at how understanding they can be, especially in dangerous situations. Second, and my personal choice, is to hang out with a group of friends who share common interests and are committed to not drinking on Halloween or any night. I still enjoy a good evening of “trick or treating” and then maybe heading out for some food afterwards. Bottom line - hanging out with friends that you trust is key. And for parents, remember that we are always watching. If you set a good example for us, we will follow suit.
Nominate an Influencer of the Month! Do you know an influential teen who is a great role model? We would love to spotlight them! Click on the icon to the left or use the link below to share why they should be MADD's Influencer of the Month!
TINYURL.COM/MADDIOTM
MADD Teen Influencer
October 2024
MADD Southern California is excited to announce our 8th Annual MADD Teen Influencer Summit will be held Saturday, November 16th at Los Nietos Middle School! This is a free, fun event that welcomes the community to enjoy networking, resources, and chances to win raffles prizes! Parents, youth, and professionals can register here and will receive a goodie bag, plus lunch will be provided. Youth and parent sessions will focus on prevention, mental health, and leadership development, all led by MADD Teen Influencers and other young leaders in our community. For more information, feel free to contact Melissa Estelle at (714) 677-2556 or Melissa.Estelle@madd.org. Community services hours available upon request. Saturday, November 16th, 9am - 2pm 2024 MADD Teen Influencer Summit 3
MADD's mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. The purpose of the Teen Influencer Group is to provide leadership development for teens by training them to be peer-to-peer educators. These teens provide MADD with the youth perspective and use their voice to educate the public. By reducing and then eliminating underage drinking, these teens will help MADD end drunk driving.
@MADDCalifornia
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