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

 

https://www.facebook.com/owntheupsidepolk 

https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/

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. 👪

Impact of Media Technology on Gen Alpha

 

Generation Alpha is our first generation growing up entirely in a digital world. This group of children, born 2013 to present, has been surrounded by technology from a young age with devices often introduced as a soothing distraction or educational aid. It has had a profound impact on their development. 

Studies show that screentime among 21st century infants, toddlers, and preschoolers has increased significantly during the 2010s - with nearly 90% of young children using a handheld electronic device by age 1; 58% exposed to a smartphone or tablet by age 4; and almost 1-in-4 kids having a personal cell phone by age 8. A Common Sense media report suggests that the amount of time spent using mobile devices has increased from 15 minutes a day in 2013 to 48 minutes in 2017 - up to an average of 84 minutes a day on platforms in recent years. 💻

Many Gen Alpha kids have not only formed a comfort level with devices like smartphones and tablets, but they have been engaging with video content as a form of entertainment from very early in their development. Studies report that kids favor apps with engaging short-form, attention-getting video content like that offered on YouTube Kids and TikTok. A 2025 study in Academic Pediatrics reports that more than 68% of social media users ages 11-12 already had TikTok accounts even though the age restriction is age 13 on both TikTok and YouTube. It's also led to a growing interest in gaming, with Roblox becoming a popular go-to platform for kids to create virtual worlds and interact with other users.📱

Being born into the age of technology and constant access to screen media comes with both positives and negatives. On the plus side, some researchers and educators suggest that use of electronic devices at a young age should be embraced as a way to prepare children for life in our digital world. Used and monitored correctly, they say it can teach skills that children will need for life offline as well. On the downside, the digital world comes with serious challenges that may lead to cyberbullying, screen addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content. (see our January 12 blog post on cyberbullying). 

It's up to parents to closely monitor their children's time spent on devices as well as the content they are viewing - and that should be balanced with participating in other fun activities in the "real world" like playing outdoors with friends and siblings, reading, and enjoying family time like we did as kids too. 👦👧

Florida Bill Proposed for Open Cannabis Containers in Motor Vehicles

 

A proposed Florida bill aims to prohibit open or ready-to-use cannabis products inside motor vehicles, a move aimed at improving road safety and discouraging driving high. This comes at a time when studies find that roughly 1/3 of people killed in Florida traffic accidents test positive for THC.

Supporters say the bill mirrors Florida's open container laws for alcohol and its intent is to reduce impaired driving. It would make it illegal for drivers or passengers to possess open cannabis products in a vehicle, whether the car is moving or parked. Products would be required to be locked in the glove compartment or trunk of the vehicle if the packaging has been unsealed. The bill would allow police to search a vehicle for open containers upon reasonable suspicion or if they smell marijuana. First offenders would receive a small ticket; subsequent offenses may result in up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. 

 

Opponents say that the bill raises concerns about unintended consequences such as singling out medical marijuana patients and possibly infringing on their constitutional right to access the product. With first violations resulting in suspension of medical cards and the second violation causing permanent revocation, they argue qualified patients may be penalized for using a state legal constitutionally protected medication. Critics also say that by bringing back the smell test, even those lawfully transporting their legal products could be at risk of vehicle searches by police. 

This bill has been filed both in the Florida House and Senate. The next legislative session begins today - Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If passed and signed into law, the bill would take effect in July 2026.

Read the proposed Florida Senate's HB 1003: Open Cannabis Containers in Motor Vehicles at:

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1003

IAA Celebrates Day of Caring to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a true champion of justice known for inspiring others with his immortal words, "Life's most persistent and urgent questions is 'What are you doing for others?'"

InnerAct Alliance was happy to participate in our community's 4th Annual MLK Day of Caring last weekend at the Florida Children's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park to celebrate kindness, service, and Dr. King's legacy. Kids and families were treated to free admission to the museum, entertaining live performances, community resource vendors & giveaways, hands-on activities, and more. 

At the IAA table, kids were encouraged to have fun creating their own unique dream catchers illustrating the theme "My Dream is..." The kids did an outstanding job on their dream catchers, don't you think?😊

The federal holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is officially observed on the third Monday of January each year - this year, MLK Day is on Monday, January 19th! 

Cyberbullying Warning Signs & Prevention #STOPBULLYING

 

Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child's use of their device. 

Cyberbullying can occur through SMS (short message service), text, apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where users can view, participate in, or share content. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone.

Thanks to our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for sharing this informative graphic highlighting some warning signs of cyberbullying to watch for and tips on how to prevent it.

Warning Signs

*behavior may change
*device use may increase/decrease
*emotional response to device (anger, laughter, upset)

*hiding screen
*social media accounts shut down/new ones created
*withdrawal or depression

What To Do
*stay alert

*talk/ask questions
*document
*block
*report
*support

How to Prevent
*always monitor social sites, apps, browsing history

*check child's location/privacy settings
*follow/friend your teen
*stay updated on latest apps, social platforms, slang
*establish rules for digital behavior, content, apps
*teach good digital citizen skills
*use parent monitoring software

In upcoming blog posts, we will examine other important issues involving use of technology that parents must be aware of to keep a safe digital footprint for the whole family.

Break the Stigma During Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month

 

January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month and it serves as an important reminder that behind every diagnosis is a human being. Substance use disorder does not discriminate. Language matters. Compassion matters. Access to treatment matters.

Community support can go a long way. Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and InnerAct Alliance to help break the stigma and encourage full support and understanding for persons seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders throughout the United States.

Help is available to determine the right level of care for you or a loved one. FindTreatment.gov offers helpful information to assist with understanding addiction and mental health issues. It provides the ability to search for health facilities, healthcare centers, and assist with financing for treatment. To access this confidential and anonymous resource, click: https://findtreatment.gov?