Staying Safe, Active & Aware All Season Long
Summer should be a time for sunshine, fun, and freedom—but it also comes with risks, especially for children and teens navigating peer pressure, boredom, and unstructured time. At We Fight Fentanyl, we believe prevention doesn’t stop when school lets out. In fact, summer is one of the most important times to stay informed, engaged, and connected.
Here’s your Summer Survival Guide—a collection of tips, tools, and resources to help young people enjoy the season safely.
1. Talk Early, Talk Often
Summer is a great time to have open, honest conversations about substance use, especially the dangers of fentanyl. Even one pill can be deadly—and young people need to know that. Keep it real, but age-appropriate. Focus on trust, not fear.
2. Structure Matters (Even in Summer)
While summer should feel relaxed, some structure is important. Whether it’s sports, summer camp, part-time work, or volunteering, staying active helps young people stay focused and grounded. Boredom and isolation can be risk factors for substance use.
3. Prioritize Mental Health
The pressures of the school year may ease, but emotional challenges don’t disappear. Summer can be tough for teens struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief. Check in often and let them know help is always available—and that asking for it is a strength.
Need support? Visit wefightfentanyl.org/resources
4. Empower Teens to Say No
Peers may experiment with substances during the summer, especially at parties or gatherings. Equip your child with ways to say no and still save face. Role-playing or discussing “what-if” situations can help them build confidence before it matters.
5. Keep It Hydrated, Balanced, and Rested
A good summer routine still includes sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Staying physically well supports mental clarity and emotional regulation—both of which help teens make safer choices.
6. Share Safety Tools
If your child or teen is attending social events or sleepovers, consider providing them with Narcan (naloxone)—a life-saving tool that reverses opioid overdoses. It’s safe, legal, and easy to carry.
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7. Lead by Example
Kids and teens pay attention to what adults do, not just what we say. Model healthy coping strategies, emotional regulation, and substance-free fun. Your behavior sets the tone.
Final Word: Connection is Prevention
A connected child is a protected child. Use summer as a chance to reconnect—whether it’s over dinner, in the car, or during a walk. Little moments of trust and openness make a big difference.
We’re here to support you with resources, education, and real talk all year long.
Let’s make this summer a safe, strong, and stigma-free season.
Explore our full library of tools, resources, and events: wefightfentanyl.org