Operation Aware of Oklahoma

This quote perfectly captures the mix of humor and honesty that children bring to the table. Even when they feel uncomfortable about certain topics, it’s clear that they are absorbing essential lessons that will benefit them in the long run. "Honestly, knowing no one will read this, I personally think this is not necessary. Yes, it makes sense for us to learn about this, but I just think we should learn it from someone else. I don’t like that we learn about this stuff and puberty. It’s just uncomfortable. This was fine though, and I love the way it was taught. But personally, I don’t care about this. Anyways, I will most likely remember how bad these things are for us and the damage they cause."

According to a 2021 study published in JAMA Psychiatry, there is a strong correlation between early marijuana use and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The earlier the use begins, the higher the risk. This finding underscores the need for heightened awareness and prevention strategies. 👉 Learn more about the potential mental health impacts of early marijuana use. Share this with your network to spread awareness. #MentalHealth #Schizophrenia #CannabisResearch https://lnkd.in/dAynz52z

During an Operation Aware session, a student opened up to our team member about her mom’s addiction. She’s living with her grandmother now, but she worries about her sister who’s still with their mom. Our educator spent time offering support and guidance, helping her find ways to make positive choices even in tough times. These conversations are why we do what we do. 💙 #OperationAware #SupportOurYouth #Empowerment #AddictionAwareness #MakeADifference

The power of school-based prevention programs is undeniable. According to the CDC, “Research suggests that well-designed and well-implemented school programs can influence multiple health outcomes, including reducing sexual risk behaviors, decreasing substance use, and even improving academic performance.” Programs like Operation Aware play a crucial role in shaping healthier futures for our youth. #PreventionMatters #YouthEmpowerment #OperationAware

We Want to Hear From You: When Were You First Offered Alcohol? Understanding when people are first exposed to alcohol can provide crucial insights into how we address underage drinking and its impacts. We’re conducting a quick poll to learn more about your experiences. When were you first offered alcohol? Your participation will help us better understand the age ranges where prevention efforts can be most impactful. Poll Options: Ages 10-13 Ages 14-16 Ages 17-20 Ages 21+ Never 👉 Click the link to take our poll and share your experience. Your input is key in shaping effective strategies for preventing underage drinking and supporting our youth. Thank you for contributing! #UnderageDrinking #YouthPrevention #Poll #CommunityInsights

Pulls at the heart: During an Operation Aware session, a student opened up to our team member about her mom’s addiction. She’s living with her grandmother now, but she worries about her sister who’s still with their mom. Our educator spent time offering support and guidance, helping her find ways to make positive choices even in tough times. These conversations are why we do what we do. 💙 #OperationAware #SupportOurYouth #Empowerment #AddictionAwareness #MakeADifference

Vaping Among Teens: Why It’s More Dangerous Than You Think Recent studies show that over 2.5 million middle and high school students in the U.S. reported using e-cigarettes in 2022. Vaping is often perceived as a safer alternative to smoking, but it’s far from harmless. The nicotine found in e-cigarettes can affect brain development, leading to long-term cognitive issues and an increased risk of addiction. Staying informed about the latest trends in youth vaping is essential. We must work together to educate our youth about the true dangers of vaping and provide them with the tools they need to make informed decisions. 👉 Let’s debunk the myths around vaping. Share this post to raise awareness. #VapingRisks #YouthHealth #NicotineAddiction

📚 Back to School, Back to Building Brighter Futures! 🎒 As the new school year kicks off, we're thrilled to share that more schools than ever have expanded their programming to include Operation Aware’s prevention education! 🎉 This means even more students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to make positive life choices, helping them navigate the challenges ahead with confidence. Here’s to another year of empowering youth, fostering safe school environments, and creating lasting impact in our communities. Let’s make this school year the best one yet! #BackToSchool #YouthEmpowerment #PreventionEducation #OperationAware

At Operation Aware, we believe that education is the first step toward prevention. A testimonial from one of our middle school participants highlights the impact of our program: "I thought I was too smart to fall for peer pressure...but Operation Aware showed me how easy it is to get caught up. Now, I feel empowered to say no and stand up for myself." This story underscores the importance of early intervention and education in helping young people make informed choices. We're proud to be a part of this journey. #OperationAware #YouthEducation #Prevention #DrugAwareness #Empowerment