Elkhart County Teens Are Making Positive Life Choices…

we know because we ask them.

What is Positively Elkhart County?

Positively Elkhart County (PEC) is a program that focuses on the positive choices teens are making in Elkhart County. Backed by science, PEC applies the Positive Community Norms approach to our work in prevention. When we celebrate young people’s positive choices, we change people’s perceptions, and as a result, we change their behaviors.

Did you know in the last 30 days, Elkhart County Teens HAVE NOT…

%

Vaped or used E-Cigarettes

%

Consumed alcohol

%

Used marijuana

%

Used others' prescription drugs

Data provided by the Indiana Youth Survey (INYS) conducted by Indiana University in 2022

We know because we ask them.

Hey, Elkhart County Teens

Have you seen PEC at your school? If you attend an Elkhart County Middle or High School, chances you’ve seen us! We’re the people who give out killer swag and ask you questions about what you think your peers are doing.

Check out your portal to find out where you can meet up with PEC next!

Teen Portal

Hello Educators!

Want to learn more about Positively Elkhart County? In your portal we walk through the science behind our program, help you understand how our team can work with you in your classroom, and provide a place for you to nominate a Do-Gooder in your school.

Educator Portal

Greetings Adults!

If you are a parent of a teen, a community member who cares about the future of our county, or just someone who wants to learn more… this is your space. We know that adults play a huge part in every teen’s life. Positively Elkhart County is a program that helps you talk to the teens in your life and helps you celebrate their positive choices.

Adult Portal

Follow Us on Social Media!

Check out positivelyelkhart.org for more!
What's one of the best ways to make a positive impact on your teen's life? Meet them where they are, not where you want them to be. When talking to your teen about drugs and alcohol, use this approach. Ask, don't interrogate. Inform, don't just scare. And in addition, be sure to celebrate their positive choices.
When it comes to drugs and alcohol, teaching kids to "just say no" isn't enough. But scaring kids into avoiding risks doesn't work either. What DOES work is a blend of positive reinforcement and harm reduction through honest education and preparedness. To learn more, check out this NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2023/11/09/1211217460/fentanyl-drug-education-dare
Ready for some good news? A study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed that rates of past-month cannabis use among teens in the US have DECLINED over the past 20 years. In Elkhart County, we're proud to report that 95% of local teens have NEVER used cannabis. Keep up the great work, Elkhart County!
Sometimes, it's hard to know the difference between typical teenager behavior and more concerning signs of poor mental health. If you're worried your teen might be struggling, check out this article about creating safety plans and self-care kits with your teen. https://centraljersey.com/2023/10/24/safety-and-coping-skills-for-teens/
November is National Child Safety and Protection Month! How are you keeping your child(ren) safe when it comes to drugs and alcohol? The first step is clear communication about boundaries. Check out this great Psychology Today article to read more about how and why to set clear boundaries with your teen. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/adolescents-explained/202311/the-importance-of-creating-boundaries-to-help-keep-kids-safe

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