The WAY Hastings - Working Alliance for Youth

05/31/2026

"Despite the To***co 21 law that is currently in place, Ellia was surprised by how easily she and her underaged peers could buy v**es and to***co products because store owners rarely checked IDs. She also noticed how easily people in her classes could hide their v**es or ni****ne pouches because they didn’t smell or emit any smoke, making it possible to use these products all day long." **ng

To***co prevention advocate stands up for her peers everyday by spreading the truth about the pitfalls of ni****ne and to***co products.

05/31/2026

"The research warns that untreated mental distress, often normalized in rural communities, can persist into adulthood and lead to serious outcomes such as school dropouts and suicidal tendencies. In the U.S., experts caution that late-night phone use may contribute to sleep deprivation, which can affect school performance and well-being."

Rural mental strain: A study in Haryana, India found one in six adolescents experienced major stress in six months, driven by poverty, school pressure, and family conflict. Phones cut teen sleep: More than half of U.S. teens use phones for at least an hour overnight on school nights, risking reduced...

05/31/2026

"The same forces driving rising levels of anxiety, stress, and social comparison are also shaping their risk for substance use."

How outsmarting ni****ne also means addressing youth mental health

05/24/2026

"As students move from the school year into summer, local mental health advocates say families can help teens by watching for changes, keeping some routine in place and knowing where to turn before a crisis grows."

As students move from the school year into summer, local mental health advocates say families can help teens by watching for changes, keeping some routine in place and knowing where to turn before a crisis grows. Summer can bring relief from school stress, but it can also take away the structure, tr...

05/24/2026

"Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, an HHS official who was the architect of the advisory, urged children and adolescents to "live real life" -- a reference to the advisory's recommendation to youth engaging in what they call excessive screen time."

The advisory was released amid a growing debate over cellphone usage and its impact on youth.

05/24/2026

"'It's way less taboo than smoking because it smells fruity and yummy,' he explained." **ng

Arizona resident Dylan Bonney said va**ng led to his lung collapsing, emergency surgeries and a hospital stay after he switched from smoking ci******es to using a v**e.

05/16/2026

The last question in our survey asked for any other suggestions or concerns regarding the Hastings community and youth mental health and substance use. 70 people responded with suggestions and concerns. Many highlighted the need for greater parental involvement and a shift in community attitudes toward substance use, expressing worry about normalization and permissiveness, especially regarding underage drinking and the presence of a cannabis dispensary. Others emphasized expanding youth mental health services and substance-free activities, as well as earlier, more open education about risks. A few noted the value of peer-led initiatives and stronger family support networks. Overall, responses call for collaborative, proactive efforts. What are your suggestions or concerns?
Follow this link to view the survey in it's entirety: https://hastingscoalition.com/data/

05/16/2026

Many parents that took our survey are interested in learning about the following:

Social media and how to help their child manage screens
Helping their child manage stress
Effective limit setting strategies
Fostering resiliency in their children

Check out www.KNOW2Prevent.org for videos from industry experts about many of these topics.

05/14/2026

The WAY Coalition offers a text messaging program designed specifically for parents and guardians of Hastings High school and middle school students. Weekly texts provide statistics from our most recent youth survey and other data to spark ideas for important conversations to have with your kids.

Give it a try by texting 10706H for high school and 10706M for middle school to (844) 972-3883.

05/14/2026

The large majority of parents/guardians who took our survey believe their child has a trusted adult outside of their home that they can speak to when facing challenges. 80% report having clear rules about alcohol and other drug use, although only about 60% have consequences for breaking those rules. 75% of parents are monitoring their child’s screen time. Respondents were split 60/40 on the issue of whether teens need to be allowed to learn to drink
before they leave for college. Research shows that delaying initiation of drinking has the best outcomes for reducing alcohol dependence later in life.