School Resource Officers Train to Address Rising Student Drug Use

School Resource Officers (SROs) now receive training to identify and respond to growing substance use among young students, including vaping and marijuana. SROs say more kids are using drugs modeled off parental behavior.

Beyond drug exposures, students increasingly face adult issues like social media pressures. SROs aim to protect and support youth facing these modern challenges.

SROs Note Drugs Becoming More Prevalent in Elementary Schools

One SRO reported a 3rd grader bringing a vape to school, showcasing early exposure. With some parents openly using substances in front of children, more young kids emulate this behavior, often to appear “cool.”

Marijuana use in middle schools would “shock” many parents, per one SRO. But normalized home usage contributes to adolescents viewing drugs as acceptable despite long-term risks.

Impact of Parental Drug Use on Students’ Wellbeing

When parents use drugs problematically, the effects manifest at school through issues like poor hygiene, which can spur bullying. SROs often intervene to support affected students.

One SRO frequently laundered an elementary schooler’s clothes that smelled of marijuana to protect him from ridicule, as parental use created stigma.

SROs Aim to Be Guardians and Confidantes

Beyond enforcement, SROs increasingly assist with needs like hunger, clothing, or simply lending an ear. They build rapport so students view them as trusted guardians, not just discipline figures.

Stopping to play basketball with kids after school and mentor those needing guidance fosters positive community perceptions.

Social Media and Bullying Creating New Pressures

Alongside rising substance use, SROs cite social media as a pervasive stressor for youth affecting self-esteem and mental health. Cyberbullying and comparison breed anxiety.

They conduct frequent risk assessments for severe issues like suicidal thoughts that can arise from relentless digital pressures faced at disturbingly young ages.

Training to Identify Warning Signs and Offer Support

To address escalating challenges students face, SROs across Colorado participate in specialized youth trauma training.

Learning to recognize warning signs allows early intervention with counseling referrals before crises occur. They gain skills to protect and support students on both good and bad days.

Holistic SRO Roles as Mentors and Confidants

While enforcing laws, SROs increasingly assist with needs like food, clothing, and housing issues that affect learning and wellbeing.

Building rapport and trust empowers students to confide in SROs for guidance navigating modern issues from drugs to social media that past generations never faced.

Conclusion

In summary, expanded SRO training enables identifying and compassionately responding to growing substance use and other adult pressures affecting young students. Beyond punishing infractions, SROs act as mentors and advocates to nurture youth facing unprecedented behavioral threats that demand nuanced modern support.