Blog List – Youth Connections Coalition

BlogOctober 5, 2026October 5, 2026

Why Community Connection Is One of the Strongest Addiction Prevention Tools

In 1998, 42% of Icelandic 15- and 16-year-olds reported being drunk in the past month. By 2016, that figure had fallen to 5%, after Iceland invested in sports, music, curfews, and closer ties between parents and schools. The lesson reached far beyond Reykjavík: young people who feel connected to caring adults and meaningful activities are …

MagazineMay 13, 2026

May 2025

ArticlesMay 13, 2026

How to Live in the Moment

by Staff Family time plays a vital role in building strong emotional connections and creating a sense of belonging. Spending quality time together allows family members to communicate openly, share experiences, and support one another through challenges. It helps children develop confidence, social skills, and a feeling of security, knowing they are valued and loved. …

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ArticlesMay 13, 2026

Screen Time and Brain Development

By Alexis Molineux Gibbons, M.A., CCC-SLP Today’s world is filled with screens. Most homes contain a variety of smartphones, tablets, laptops, video game consoles and televisions. On average, American households have 17 screened internet connected devices, making them increasingly accessible to children of all ages. Screen time is not inherently bad, and can support education, …

ArticlesMay 13, 2026

The Benefits of 90’s Parenting

By Melissa Wilson, LCSW One afternoon I received a slightly startled phone call from a neighbor. She explained that there were a kid and a dog in the field between our houses, wearing a backpack and carrying what looked like a homemade bow. “Oh yes,” I told her. “That’s my son. He’s out practicing with …

ArticlesMay 13, 2026

Good Enough Parenting

by Jason C. Peccia, MSC, LCPC No one signs up to be an inadequate parent. Parents face unforeseen challenges in their lives and in the lives of their children, all the while nagged with the thought, “Am I doing this right?” At the end of most days, parents are just trying to keep up with …

Alcohol and Teens: They Don’t Mix

By Barbara Bessette, CPS Underage alcohol use is a serious health concern that affects millions of young people each year. Despite laws that set the legal drinking age at 21 in the United States, many adolescents still experiment with alcohol. This early exposure can lead to a range of negative consequences that impact physical health, …

BlogMay 11, 2026

Camp Bright Horizons

BlogApril 6, 2026

Supporting Teens as They Navigate Major Life Transitions

Adolescence is a time of growth, discovery, and change. Yet major life transitions—moving to a new school, entering high school or college, or family shifts—can feel overwhelming. Teens often struggle to adapt, and stress can affect their emotions, behavior, and confidence. Adults play a crucial role in helping teens navigate these periods with care. Small …

ArticlesFebruary 19, 2026

What Parents Need to Know About Youth Gambling

by Susan Sheridan Tucker Gambling may not be the first risk that comes to mind when parents think about threats to their children’s well-being. Concerns such as alcohol, vaping or drug use often top the list. Yet youth gambling is a growing public health issue that often flies under the radar. While it may look …