Our Youth Substance Prevention Coordinator Carrie Patterson has facilitated approximately 20 refusal skills workshops for 6th graders across the Lamoille Valley Region this spring. These interactive workshops help students build practical tools for handling peer pressure, making healthy choices, and saying “no” confidently, especially in situations related to substance use.
Families can continue the conversation at home by asking their 6th grader what strategies they learned for handling peer pressure, talking through real-life “what would you do?” scenarios, and practicing simple responses they can use if they ever feel pressured or uncomfortable. Even brief, low-pressure conversations help reinforce that youth have trusted adults to turn to and choices they can feel good about.
This refusal skills graphic offers a quick look at the strategies students are learning and can help families continue the conversation at home in a simple, practical way.
