Kudos to Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Taking Fentanyl & Meth Off the Streets

 

Congratulations to PCSO's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (H.I.D.T.A.) for spearheading disruption of trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine into the county during two recent special operations resulting in key arrests along with seizures of dangerous drugs and weapons. Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatline resulted in the arrests of 51 suspects and seizure of 78lbs. of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and $20,000 in U.S. currency.

PCSO teamed up with State Prosecutors, FDLE, and other agencies to investigate a local Florida gang leaders and his counterparts in a drug trafficking organization operating in neighboring counties including Polk, Hillsborough, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, and Pasco. Using resources from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant, undercover detectives were able to participate in transactions in which they intercepted a delivery of ten pounds of methamphetamine and also identified a methamphetamine supply-line chain that ran from California to Polk County. 

Sheriff Grady Judd had this to say in a February 13th statement: "Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job - putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug-traffickers who are profiting from this destruction."

In the same statement, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier commended participating law enforcement agencies saying, "This was a highly organized, fentanyl-pushing enterprise operating in Central Florida that had ties all the way to California. We will continue dismantling these organizations from the top down. Anyone who traffics these poisons in Florida will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent."

More from the Sheriff's Office February 13 media release:  https://www.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/polk-county-news/2026/02/13/pcso-s-operation-bloodline-and-operation-flatline-multi-agency-investigation-disrupts-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine-drug-trafficking-organizations 

Celebrate All the Love in Our Lives!

 

Wishing Everyone an early Happy Valentine's Day & Weekend Ahead! This is a perfect time to remind ourselves about the importance of all kinds of love in our life. 💖

Valentine's Day can bring out a host of different emotions, but it's not just about romantic love, flowers, and chocolate. We should embrace all of the love in our lives - that for our pets, our families, our friends, and most of all, for ourselves!

This Valentine's weekend, let's all remember to show Ourselves some love by continuing to look for the light in life, staying open to new ideas, standing up for what you believe in, and letting your true self shine...thanks to our friends at @PositivelyPresent for this colorful and timely reminder!

Self-love allows you to accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture growth and well-being. Not only does self-love improve your relationship with yourself, but also with others. It motivates much of our positive behavior while reducing harmful behavior. Self-love is the gift that keeps on giving long after February is over! 🌷

40 Years – 40 Stories | Story #5: Teaching Empathy, Kindness & Positive Choices

 

Story #5: Teaching Empathy, Kindness & Positive Choices

For four decades, InnerAct Alliance has served Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties with effective evidence-based programs to educate about substance abuse prevention and support youth to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

The Humane Education Program

One of our newest prevention efforts is the Humane Education Program, an evidence-based program that promotes empathy, kindness, and critical thinking in young children. Our humane educator uses age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and engaging activities to teach PreK through 3rd graders healthy ways to interact with their peers. Plus, there's a fun option to include live animals (or stuffed animals) in presentations!

Pictured above: Local high school students learn current social norms facts (left); Our humane educator partnering with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, students, and an adorable puppy learning about kindness and compassion (right).

Social Norms: Changing Perspectives with Positive Messages

We're also reaching high school students during lunch breaks with Social Norms messaging that proactively changes perspectives about substance use. The positive message? Most of their peers are NOT involved in substance use and risky behaviors! This FREE program provides all materials needed.

We believe every child deserves a safe, healthy, and drug-free future!

Support Our Prevention Programs:

$40 = student participation incentives

$400 = books & materials for Humane Education

$4,000 = additional support staff for Social Norms outreach

Donate by

texting IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #HumaneEducation #SocialNorms #EmpathyEducation #PreventionWorks #PolkCounty #PositiveChoices #DrugFreeFuture

Prevention Begins at Home: Stay Vigilant During Cold/Flu Season

 

Prevention begins at home - more specifically in the home medicine cabinet! Now that it's cold and flu season, parents must stay particularly vigilant about what is accessible in your home. Youth have been known to misuse cough and cold medications. Keep all medication out of the reach of children and teens - both prescription and over-the-counter.💊

This is a good reminder to talk to your children at early ages about substance use and misuse. Tell them that even OTC medications used to treat the common cold and flu can be risky if they are not taken as directed or prescribed. 

It's also a good time to clean out all used, expired, or unneeded prescription and non-prescription medication and bring it to the Spring DEA Medication Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10am to 2pm, at participating police department locations throughout Polk County (locations pending) for proper disposal. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance – Story #4

 

Story #4: The Red Ribbon Run Legacy

October is National Red Ribbon Month and InnerAct Alliance has been recognized for hosting one of the largest drug prevention awareness campaigns in the state of Florida! Each year, we distribute Red Ribbons, the national symbol for drug prevention, to encourage schools, churches, and community members to wear and display them in support of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

A Tradition Born in 1992: The first Red Ribbon Run began in October 1992 as a one-mile fun run to prevent harm and promote health. This beloved community event has grown tremendously over the past three decades!

Today's Red Ribbon Run features:

Kids Fun Run (FREE for grades K-8)

Family Fun Run for adults to run/walk with their children

World Tour vendor area with healthy snacks & fitness activities

Trophies and ribbons awarded in timed grade heats

Save the Date:

The 2026 Red Ribbon Run is Saturday, October 31! Join thousands of families at Lake Mirror in Lakeland for this FREE celebration of healthy, drug-free living. Registration opens soon!

Support the Red Ribbon Run:
$40 = 4 families can participate in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run
$500 = sponsor a Grade Heat
$1,000 = Bronze Sponsorship + your name on Run t-shirts
$4,000 = Silver Sponsorship + your name on Run T-t-shirts

Donate by

Texting IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #RedRibbonRun #RedRibbonMonth #DrugFreeLiving #PolkCounty #LakeMirror #HealthyFamilies #PreventionWorks

Celebrating Black History Month

 

During the month of February, we honor Black History Month across the United States to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black and African Americans past and present and take time to learn more about diverse communities, cultures, and people.

Black History Month started with the past and the heroes who had the courage to stand up for what they believed in. Its message continues when we all make an effort to learn more about our neighbors and celebrate inclusion by attending special public events that bring in music, speakers, and activities in our community. During this month, let's deepen our understanding and commitment to freedom and equality as we continue to work to end racism in all forms. ❤

Thanks to April and our friends at Lakeland Mom for sharing a list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Polk  County this month including the City of Lakeland's Black History Festival in Jackson Park on Saturday, February 15, from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will enjoy artisan vendors, food trucks, activities for kids, and more for families. On the mobile stage, there will be entertainment from dance to the spoken word. Inside the Coleman-Bush building, the City will highlight the history of the building and Park. This is a FREE event open to the public and features fun for all ages.

Check out the fun in & around
Lakeland and Polk County this month

https://lakelandmom.com/things-to-do-in-february/?utm_content=link_id&utm_medium=email&utm_source=flodesk

Polk Teens Shop for Free Prom Formalwear Tomorrow Saturday Feb 7

 

UthMpact is proud to kick off the 13th year of the Project Prom effort to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk School ID may sign a pledge promising to celebrate alcohol- and substance-free and receive their dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories at no cost! 👗🕴 

Come down to the Project Prom Store this Saturday morning, February 7, from 11am to 4pm, at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Hwy 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards). If you're not able to make it this weekend, additional Student Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays: February 21, March 7, and March 21.

The community may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories - especially needed are dresses in sizes XS 0-3 and plus size (18+) and men's small suits, dress pants (waist 30-36") and shirts (all sizes), shoes, and accessories. Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30am to 4:30pm) weekdays at 621 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland). 

See you tomorrow!🎀

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance – Story #3

 

Story #3 Bringing Back the Fifth Grade Rallies

For years, InnerAct Alliance hosted Red Ribbon Rallies for nearly 6,000 Fifth Grade students across Polk County, a powerful experience that reinforced critical substance abuse resistance skills before students entered middle school. The Rallies featured national speakers and community leaders who inspired students to make healthy choices. Kids were challenged to create original posters, poems, and essays celebrating the truth that most people do not use drugs or alcohol. Students shared deeply personal stories of how addictions affect families and why prevention matters so much.

One brave fifth grader wrote this powerful poem titled "This is Sad":

You know what?
Drugs are Bad.
Something else?
I don't know my dad.
Because he does drugs.
And that's really sad.
All I know is that his name is Tom.
And one day he left me and my Mom.
If he were drunk, some people he might kill.
But, I'll still have my Mom and Step-Dad Bill.

Now This is Sad: Budget constraints have prevented us from hosting Fifth Grade Rallies in recent years. Students have missed this crucial opportunity to bond as a positive peer group before entering middle school.

YOU Can Help Bring 5th Grade Rallies Back!
$400 = supplies and staff time
$4,000 = bus transportation for Lakeland or Winter Haven Rally
$4,000 = speakers & a/v personnel or venue rental

Together, we can restore this impactful tradition and reach thousands of students with life-changing prevention messages!

Donate by

Texting IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance
#FifthGrade Rallies #PreventionMatters
#BringBackTheRallies #PolkCountySchools
#RedRibbon

Floridians Won’t Vote on Recreational Marijuana on the November Ballot

 

Floridians will not be voting on recreational marijuana on this November's ballot. The proposed amendment that would have allowed adults age 21 & over to buy and use recreational marijuana failed to qualify for Florida's 2026 ballot due to a shortfall of verified signatures.

The Florida Department of State announced on Sunday that the political organization behind the initiative, Smart & State Florida, had fallen short of the 880,000 verified signatures required by Florida law to be received before the February 1st deadline. It was announced that around 783,000 signatures had been submitted - Smart & Safe Florida opposed in a statement claiming that 1.4 million signatures had been submitted.

This campaign's shortfall comes after months of state directives that tossed out tens of thousands of petitions from Florida voters suspected of being fraudulent. Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, commented on the failed petition at a press conference on Monday in Tampa saying that the Smart & Safe Florida failed to gets its amendment on the 2026 ballot due to "numerous cases of fraudulent petitions." He confirmed that the action by the Dept. of State will not end his office's investigation of election fraud.

You may remember that Floridians voted on a similar measure back in 2024 and even though more than 56% of voters approved, it didn't pass because it didn't meet the required 60% threshold of voter support needed for approval.

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance – Story #2

 

For four decades, InnerAct Alliance has been Polk County's trusted prevention leader. We're celebrating our 40th Anniversary by sharing a special memory from each year that our agency has been in existence since 1985 - along with the incredible programs that continue our mission. 

Story #2: Remember the 90s? Big hair, big ideas, and a BIG GORILLA?!

Meet Eugene, our loveable "Just Say No" mascot who spent over 20 years visiting schools, participating in community events, and giving big hugs to spread the message of Hugs NOT Drugs? While Eugene is now retired, his spirit of prevention education lives on in every classroom we visit.

Then & Now

From one beloved gorilla mascot to a team of 10 professional prevention educators! Today, InnerAct Alliance teaches FREE evidence-based programs in grades 4-5-6/7-9 across Polk County schools. Our educators equip students with essential skills to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors that lead to substance abuse. 

After 4 decades of service, we need YOUR help to reach even more students and schools in our community.

Support Our Teacher Team!
$40 = one more hour in the classroom
$400 = teaching a class for 10 weeks
$4,000 = an entire Fall quarter of classes
$40,000 = 1 full-time or 2 part-time teachers

Donate by

texting AAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

click on QR Code

Check back again soon as we will be sharing more stories celebrating our community's commitment to preventing harm and promoting health!

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #EugeneTheGorilla #HugsNotDrugs #PreventionEducation #PolkCountySchools #DrugFreeCommunity

Florida Received Poor Grades in 2026 State of Tobacco Control Report

 

The American Lung Association's 24th Annual State of Tobacco Control Report grades states and the federal government on policies and laws designed to protect the public from harmful tobacco use in 5 categories: prevention & cessation funding, smoke-free air, tobacco taxes, access to cessation services, and regulation of flavored tobacco products that put our youth at risk of addiction. Florida's grades on the ALA's 2026 report, released on January 27, 2026, show that our state must step up efforts to reduce tobacco use to protect our communities.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and diseases having claimed more than 490,000 lives in the U.S. and 32,300 Florida residents each year. Major strides in smoking prevention have been achieved in recent years - rates for adults smoking dropped from 23% in 2000 to 10.5% in 2023 and youth tobacco use has reached at its lowest level in 25 years - but vaping tobacco in schools is still a significant concern. Statistics show that more than 2 million middle and high school students surveyed still use tobacco, including e-cigarettes.

In the report, Federal Government received grades of D (in regulation of tobacco products and coverage of treatment to help people quit smoking) - and B (in funds for tobacco prevention/control). Pending reductions in funding could negatively impact efforts to reduce tobacco use.

Florida is doing better than other states when it comes to reducing tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association. The Sunshine State received grades of C (smoke-free air and access to cessation services) and F (prevention/cessation funding, tobacco taxes, inadequate regulation of flavored tobacco products). Grades are almost the same as last year, other than rising from D to C in improvement in access to cessation services. Lawmakers were commended for efforts to allocate funds to Tobacco Free Florida, the state's tobacco control program, which does a good job with the funds given. 

To keep tobacco control progress heading in the right direction, the American Lung Association Reports suggests implementing public policies like raising taxes on tobacco products, expanding smoke-free workplace laws, reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes, and ending the sale of flavored tobacco products.

Clearly there's still work to do! Talk to your kids about the dangers of tobacco use 🚭

Read about Florida's Grades in the
State of Tobacco Control's 2026 report card:

https://www.lung.org/research/sotc/state-grades/florida 

Introducing 40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance - Story #1

 

For four decades, InnerAct Alliance has been Polk County's trusted prevention leader. We're celebrating our 40th anniversary by sharing a special memory from each year that our agency has been in existence since 1985 - along with the incredible programs that continue our mission today!🙌

Story #1: Pride of Lakeland Was Born

In 1986, we organized our first "Just Say No" Anti-Drug March through downtown Lakeland. Nearly 3,000 students rallied together at the Civic Center, making a visible statement against drugs. This 1989 photo from The Ledger shows Scott Lake Elementary students with their creative banner leading the charge!

Today, that spirit lives on through our Annual  Red Ribbon Run - one of Florida's largest drug prevention awareness events! Thousands of K-8 students and families father around Lake Mirror each October for our FREE one-mile fun run celebrating healthy, drug-free lifestyles. 

Celebrating Generations of Prevention: The photo above shows a Dad who ran in the Red Ribbon Run as a young boy, and now his kindergartner plans to run too! 🎀

Please Support 40 More Years of Prevention!

$40 one-time gift = prevention services for a family

$40/month = up to 12 families in 2026
$400/month = 120 families in 2026

Donate by

texting IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

click on QR Code

Stay tuned as we share more stories celebrating our community's commitment to preventing harm and promoting health!

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #Prevention Works #PolkCounty #RedRibbonRun #DrugFreeCommunity 

2026 Spring Project Prom Shopping Dates Announced

 

Countdown to Prom is underway! Unfortunately for some teens, expenses associated with attending this milestone social event may be out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to continue the Project Prom effort, now in its 14th year, to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

Student Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays: February 7, February 21, March 7, and March 21 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards). Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost.

Since 2013, over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to teens in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, men's suits, shoes, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (18+) and men's suits in smaller sizes, dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30am-4:30pm weekdays) at 621 S. Florida Avenue, in Lakeland.

UthMpact's goal is to promote a safe and fun Prom Night. For information, please call Samantha Barwig at (863) 802-0777.

Visit www.inneractalliance.org

   
Like us on Facebook
Project Prom of Polk County, Florida

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=project%20prom%20of%20polk%20county%2C%20florida

 

Some Risky Substances Marketed & Sold as “Legal” or “Natural”

 

Social media and online influencer marketing has gone a long way in an attempt to normalize use of some substances labeled as "legal" or "natural" to give people the perception that these products are relatively harmless for human consumption. Truth is that they are not safe and use of many of these substances can put young people at risk.

Following up on Monday's post, Pharmacists Partner in Prevention, we've learned that pharmacists are now speaking out about commonly used substances in the gray zone of legality and safety that have become more accessible to youth. What's worse is that they are being placed for sale in plain sight on the sheves of neighborhood gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops. 

Druggists warn that there is a need to share factual information with the public about the many hidden health risks in substances like nitrous oxide, kratom, delta-8 and delta-9 THC, and salvia divinorum. Studies show these products are associated with dependence, neurologic injury, psychiatric effects, and accidental harm in the youth population. 

Let's examine some of these substances marketed as "legal" or "natural":

Nitrous Oxide - known as "whippets" or "laughing gas," these products are frequently misused for their euphoric effects. The flavored containers, intended for culinary use, are marketed under brand names such as "galaxy gas" that have gained popularity among youth through social media. Recreational use of nitrous oxide can results in irreversible neurologic injury and related health complications.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) - Kratom, marketed as a dietary supplement for pain relief, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, has been linked to seizures, liver damage, hypertension, and opioid-like withdrawal symptoms. FDA analysis has identified contamination with heavy metals and pathogenic organisms in unregulated products.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC - these THC products, widely marketed as "legal" cannabis alternatives, can be found on store shelves in the form of edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Delta-8 THC is a synthetic form with similar psychoactive effects. These products have raised concerns about inaccurate labeling, excessive THC, and contamination from chemical products. Effects such as anxiety, paranoia, impaired cognition, and psychosis are known to be amplified in adolescents and youth.

Salvia Divinorum - when smoked or chewed, salvinorin A is known to produce rapid-onset hallucinations, dissociation, and loss of environmental awareness. Psychoactive effects of Salvia use can bring on panic reactions, accidental injuries, and prolonged psychological distress - its sale as a novelty or incense product may obscure its clinical risks.

 Know the Facts!

https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk

  

Test Your Marijuana IQ

 

We all know that Marijuana can affect the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and perform other cognitive functions, but...how much do you REALLY know about the effects and risks of Marijuana? You might be surprised!

One thing you should always remember is that current strains of marijuana have much higher levels of THC than was available years ago. The higher levels of THC today may lead to higher rates of addiction.

Our prevention partners at The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an online quiz to test your Marijuana IQ. 

Click the following link to find out

https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana-quiz

Pharmacists Partner in Prevention

 

Pharmacists are essential partners in preventative health. Statistics show 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. With their reputation as trusted medication experts working in close proximity to the public, local pharmacists are in a perfect position to provide in-person education for youth, parents, caregivers, and policymakers and share health risks of some of the substances that are labeled as "legal" but often hidden in plain sight right on the shelves at our neighborhood gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.

Although products such as nitrous oxide inhalants, kratom, Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Salvia divinorum may be marketed as "legal" or "natural, it does not mean they are safe. In fact, these substances have been proven to put young people at risk. Studies show that they are associated with dependence, neurologic injury, psychiatric effects, and accidental harm in the youth population. Increased awareness about the very real health risks posed by these widely available products is essential for the health and well-being of our children.

Druggists can also play an important role in monitoring emerging substance-use trends and encouraging safety measures, age restrictions, and proper labeling standards. It takes a village to raise a child and we all share the responsibility for educating ourselves and our children to protect their health and well-being. This week, we will take a closer look at some commonly used substances in the gray zone of legality and safety that are widely accessible to you.

Read more: https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk 

IAA Prevention Education in Our Schools & Community

As the second half of the 2025-2026 school year gets underway, InnerAct Alliance remains committed to protecting Central Florida youth and strengthening families through substance abuse prevention education and community support. We believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and drug-free future!

Our amazing team of educators is busy teaching evidence-based prevention programs, such as Keep A Clear Mind, Too Good for Drugs, and Project ALERT, in classrooms across Polk County. These programs encourage students to make healthy life choices and help them build strong resistance skills to avoid risky behaviors and experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, and other drugs.

In addition, we are excited that several schools have invited us to share informative social norms facts with high school students during their lunch breaks. Social Norms help proactively change perspectives about substance use with a positive message to students that most of their peers are NOT involved in substance abuse and risky behaviors. IAA offers this free of charge and our agency provides all materials needed.  

Our outreach team is also looking forward to participating in upcoming local community events to share prevention facts and fun activities with children and families. 

Learn more about IAA programs on our website https://www.inneractalliance.org/prevention-in-the-schools.html

For information about bringing free prevention programs to your school or community organization, please contact IAA's executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777.

Strategies for Mindful Internet Usage in Our Connected World

 

This month, we've featured blog posts about the impact of media use and technology on Generation Alpha and the Parents of Gen Alpha Kids and shared helpful information about potentially dangerous social media apps as well as the warning signs of cyberbullying. In the constantly connected world we live in, it's important to practice digital mindfulness to help us be more aware of our use of technology and its impact on our lives.

Studies show that for some teens, the line between the virtual world and the real world can sometimes be blurry. Although social apps and websites may be marketed as a safe and fun place to interact with others online, there is also a dark side that can shape the way teen feel about substance use.

Social media may influence some teens to experiment with dangerous substances like alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs. When kids are influenced by images of young people partying, they may think it's the only way to have a good time. Some companies take advantage of this to market addictive substances to children and teens even though it's illegal to do so. Marketing tricks like hiring social media influencers to promote vaping products and offering promotional giveaways to attract school-age students have helped to create a new generation of young people hooked on nicotine.

Children and teens need adult guidance when it comes to the realities and dangers of social media usage. Teach them that what they post can adversely affect important relationships, hinder potential job opportunities, and impede their goals. A good tip is to get them in the habit of pausing for a minute to "think before they post" to avoid sharing impulsive content, images, and messages they may regret later.

What Can Parents and Caregivers Do to Keep Their Child Safe?

*Keep a watchful eye on your child's social media use
*Be aware of online sites they regularly visit
*Discuss dangers of interacting with strangers on social media
*Help teens think through consequences of online actions and dangers of trending challenges
*Remind youth that what others post may not reflect reality

Parents should remind teens that after scrolling the internet, they will return to living in the real world. And that's the world in which we need to live our lives - not the virtual one. 

For more tips to help keep children safe and drug free, visit the Partnership to End Addiction's website at www.drugfree.org

Trying Dry January – How’s It Going?

 

At just about the 3-week point of this month, how is your Dry January resolution coming along? Whether you're planning to take a full alcohol-free month or simply being more mindful about drinking habits, Dry January doesn't mean perfection. It's meant to help you reset, recharge, and rethink your relationship with alcohol as you move forward.

Checking-in is not about assigning a grade but more about what you've learned or if you've identified some useful takeaways from this experiment. 

Has Dry January been easier than expected? That may suggest your relationship with alcohol is more in the "habit" category than dependency. 👍

Was it hard at first, but things have been improving? That may mean your brain is adjusting to a "new normal" and not drinking is starting to feel more natural.🧠

Or is it still hard to fight the cravings? That may mean alcohol was playing a larger role in your life than you realized.🍹

Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy? If you feel better when you're not drinking or when your drinking is decreased, than your body is telling you something.😄

Special thanks to our friends at LAL Today for

 sharing local locations to try refreshing alcohol-free mocktails: 

https://laltoday.6amcity.com/guide-mocktails-lakeland?utm_term=laltoday&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=laltoday&utm_content=laltoday   

For more info on how to recognize drinking patterns, acknowledge signs of a problem, or find tools to make a chance, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov

Potentially Dangerous Social Media Apps Parents Should Know About

 

It's no secret that kids of all ages are on some type of social media on their digital devices. Some of these apps may not be suitable for all ages. Often, they may fly under the radar of parents so it's important to stay updated on the latest news about dangerous apps, viral trends, and online slang kids are using.

Monitor usage and know which apps your child has installed on their phone. Some may present opportunities that can potentially lead to bad decision-making and threaten the overall safety and privacy of your children. It may expose them to cyberbullying and explicit content - making them vulnerable to more dangerous types of interactions

Challenges also arise when children "hide" apps in folders or use "disguised" apps that make them difficult to recognize or find. In addition to physically checking their phones often, look into a more advanced reliable solution like a parental control app to make it easier to monitor your child's digital activities and access tools needed to restrict, block, or delete them as you see fit.

Teach your kids to be good social media stewards - encourage wise choices, never bully or accept being bullied. Encourage them to report any bad behavior from others right away to you. As a parent, you must stay vigilant to keep your kids and their digital experiences safe.

Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

 

Often we take our freedom for granted and forget the pioneers who helped shape our great nation. Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement who championed justice and equality. Dr. King was a strong advocate of change through nonviolent civil actions. He was an outstanding speaker whose powerful words still resonate with us today.

Many family-friendly events have taken place during the holiday weekend in our community. If you missed the City of Lakeland's 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, our friends at LAL Today have kindly shared a link to watch from the Lakeland Government Network: https://media.lakelandgov.net/video/1155084848 

As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life of service today, may we commit to making a positive impact on our world, no matter how big or small.

Stay Informed: Visit IAA Website & Follow Us on Social Media

 

Next time you're surfing the web, please bookmark our agency's website 

and follow us on social media to stay updated on news, information, 

and resources related to prevention of substance abuse.

https://www.inneractalliance.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance/

  

https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?fref=ts 

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

 

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Impact of Media Technology on Parents of Gen Alpha Kids

 

Continuing our look at the impact of Media Technologies on Generation Alpha kids, it stands to reason that it would also be important to check-in on internet use by the Parents of Generation Alpha children. 📱

Kids are like sponges - they are constantly absorbing information from world around them. From an early age, they are most influenced by the routines and behaviors learned from their parents and the adults who interact with them regularly during their lives. Generation Alpha children have been surrounded by adult use of digital technology and internet use from the beginning of their lives. And, their parents, primarily Millennials, are heavy social media users.

21st century parenting is firmly grounded in technology - and technology has impacted what it means to be a parent. A 2014 report from cybersecurity firm AVG stated that 6% of parents actually created a social media account, and 8% an email account, for their baby or toddler. Statistics shared by an online company specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing called Baby Center reported that 79% of Millennial mothers have used social media on a daily basis and 63% have used their smartphones more frequently since they became pregnant or gave birth. Today's moms report that the time they have spent on social media has increased 24% on Facebook and 33% on Instagram after becoming a mother.

Social media has added another dimension to the use of technology. In today's digital world, it is important to be aware of the risks that come with posting or sharing content online - especially when it comes to children. Oversharing can make kids vulnerable to identity theft and harassment. Nonprofit advocacy group Common Sense Media warns parents to take extreme care to guard privacy and monitor content they post. This helps protect from having their children's - as well as their own - personal information and/or photos fall into the wrong hands. The warning was issued after a Utah mother reportedly found a photograph of her children on a social media post with pornographic hashtags in May 2015.

On the upside, the Millennial generation's familiarity with the online world can be a positive factor to model common sense and healthy tech habits. It's a parent's responsibility to help kids learn to balance technology with real-world connections. Parents should stay involved in their child's online engagement, set boundaries for screen time, and teach good digital citizenship skills. Installing parental controls can also help guide safe and positive digital experiences. The goal is to build the trust and skills needed to make media one part of a healthy routine for the whole family. 👪