Be My Neighbor - Forming
Neighborhood "Safety Nets"
They are your neighbors. Sometimes, people's lives are so busy that they rarely speak to their neighbors, let alone get to know them. But finding time to build relationships with the people who live close to you and your family can help your child in many ways.
What To Know
Research shows that a feeling of community with neighbors is an important step in reducing risky behaviors and mental health problems among children. For example, children who have positive relationships with adults may be at lower risk for delinquency and substance use.
Since you and your neighbors may send your children to the same schools and activities, you may share the same concerns about neighborhood safety. They may be willing to join you in helping to protect children from drug use and other risky behaviors.
What To Do
Kids Can Get
Involved…
Kids can benefit from having a “safety net”—neighbors who care,
listen, monitor them, and guide them toward safe choices. The three
protective processes listed below can help your child bond with other
adults.1
-
Opportunities for involvement. Urge your child to join in fun, substance-free activities offered by youth centers, faith organizations, and schools. Strong bonds can be made when children take part in meaningful activities and feel valued for their input.
-
Skills for successful involvement. Help your child build the right skills—social, academic, or behavioral—to participate in neighborhood activities.
-
Recognition for involvement. Young people need to be recognized and valued for their work. Praise your child’s efforts regularly and urge neighbors to show their appreciation as well.
Parents Can Get
Involved…
If you and your child have trouble finding healthy and fun ways to get
involved, or if you’ve simply had a stroke of creativity, you can start
your own neighborhood activity. Plan a mural painting with an antidrug
theme, start a book or sports club, or form a service group to volunteer
at a local organization (such as an animal shelter or a retirement
center). Make sure both kids and adults can take part, keeping in mind
that activities planned between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. give kids something to
do after school.
Healthy after-school activities can help keep your child safe and also can be a great time for you to chat with other parents. Together, you can make your neighborhood a safer place for children. You can join with other parents to:
 |
Start a neighborhood network or coalition. Invite other families to join you. Check out Help Your Community.org or Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America for tips on starting your own neighborhood antidrug coalition. |
|
|
Educate yourself and your neighbors about the risk factors in your area and the warning signs for risky behavior in children. |
|
|
Ask community leaders to assess local risk and protective factors related to drug problems in order to target prevention efforts. |
You want to protect your
child from unsafe behavior, and living in a place that supports you
increases this protection.2 Forming a “safety net” in your
area can start with making a simple, friendly gesture toward a neighbor.
So make a point to introduce yourself and your family to your neighbors.
Wave at the neighbor driving by on his way home. Stop to chat with the
neighbor working in her front yard. Smile at the neighbor waiting at the
bus stop. These small gestures can make a real difference when it comes to
keeping your child drug free.
Sources
Resources:
For information on helping your child build good social skills visit:
|
|
For information on helping your child build good skills for school visit:
|
|
The Family Guide’s back-to-school series |
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Preventing Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescents, last referenced 8/9/04
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents: A Research-Based Guide for Parents, Educators, and Community Leaders, Second Edition, last referenced 8/6/04. (A print version of this publication was released in 2003.)