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Start Talking!
Know!
What’s Hidden in Plain Sight – Part I
4/24/2019
This Know! Tip reveals some of the tools and tactics teens may use to
hide drug use. If you suspect your child is using drugs, contact the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National
Helpline at 1-800-662- HELP (4357).
Would you know if your child was experimenting with or using drugs?
Would you be able to spot the clues? Hidden in Plain Sight is an
awareness program for parents and other adults that helps uncover signs
of trouble.
In a presentation sponsored by the Westerville Division of Police and
Drug-Free Delaware Officer Ben Boruchowitz, of the Powell Police
Department in central Ohio, shared that it is common for parents to
think:
“My child would never be involved in something like drugs.”
“I would know if my child was using drugs.”
“I check my child’s phones and tablets. There’s nothing on there to be
concerned about.”
“My child is a star student, top athlete, etc.; they know better than
to risk their future.”
The truth is; however, kids are drinking, smoking and using drugs – not
other people’s kids – our kids. Substance abuse does not discriminate,
and no child is without risk, regardless of their social status, grades
or athleticism; whether they are known as good kids or risk-takers,
every child is at risk.
Officer Boruchowitz said electronics are the number one culprit
assisting young people in the buying and selling of drugs. Snapchat, a
popular social media app among youth, is often used to exchange
messages regarding drug use. If you’re not familiar, Snapchat allows
the user to send and receive messages, pictures and videos that
self-destruct after being viewed, making it ideal for teens who want to
keep secrets. As one can imagine, this app is may present issues and
points of concern, including sexting and the difficulty that comes with
monitoring images and videos that disappear. Officer Boruchowitz
suggests reconsidering allowing your child to use this app. Not sure
your child even has Snapchat? If your child has a phone, you should
search for it yourself but beware of hidden storage apps your child may
have on their phone.
Officer Boruchowitz warns parents that those apps, which may appear as
a calculator or game app, serve as a hiding spot for drug-related
information, including contacts and meeting places, or sexting-related
pictures and videos. One secret storage app brags, “We’re constantly
improving the interface and adding new features, helping you keep your
media safe from prying eyes!”
Prying eyes is exactly what Officer Boruchowitz recommends. When it
comes to keeping up with apps and changing technology he says, “Kids
will always be one step ahead. Still, check your kids’ phones often and
monitor their social media. It is your right as a parent.”
Phones are not the only electronics that are assisting youth in drug
use. According to Officer Boruchowitz, the Apple iPod Touch has become
a favorite accomplice. This device can be purchased for as little as
$20 to $30 online and once connected to Wi-Fi, can operate as an iPhone
capable of sending and receiving phone calls, instant messages, and
downloading all apps – without a parent even being aware.
One way to combat this is for parents to download a network scanner
app. Fing, for example, is a free scanner app that works to, “detect
intruders and instantly discover all devices connected to any Wi-Fi
network in your home.”
These are just a few of the tips shared in the Hidden in Plain Sight
presentation. Additional resources and further information will be
coming your way in a future Know! Tip.
Remember to follow Start Talking! on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
Learn how to get the drug prevention conversation started at
StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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