MADD Teen Influencer
April 2026
1.Stay with someone (friend, group, adult, etc.) that you 100% trust. 2.Keep prom a safe, substance-free night. 3.Never leave your food/drink unattended. 4.Keep your phone charged. 5.Wait to post prom pictures on social media the next day. 6.Ensure that the person driving you is not under the influence and has a proper ID.
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Stress Awareness Month: Handling the Workload 2
by Ben Haworth, MADD Teen Influencer
April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s easy to see why. AP exams are coming up, finals are around the corner, and burnout is very real. If you’re in high school, you probably feel like there’s no break—just one thing after another. According to the American Institute of Stress, 75% of teens report feeling stressed by schoolwork, and many say their stress is higher than adults’ overall (stress.org). At some point, you hit a wall. You can’t focus, you’re exhausted, and you just want to check out for a bit. That feeling is normal. The problem is how people try to handle it. A lot of teens drink or use substances to cope. It can feel like an easy way to relax, but research shows it doesn’t actually help and can make things worse. Substance use might temporarily mask stress, but it doesn’t reduce the workload or mental pressure—and can even increase fatigue and anxiety the next day (stress.org).
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