Welcome to B-PEN!
The Brookline Parent Education Network (B-PEN) supports parents and caregivers in addressing the social, emotional, and developmental challenges affecting Brookline's teens and pre-teens. B-PEN works in collaboration with the Public Schools of Brookline and Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) to help parents & caregivers connect with each other, as well as with school and community resources. It provides valuable information through written and electronic materials covering a wide range of topics related to teen concerns.
Wanna keep up with what's going on?
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Join Us on February 11th!We’re excited to welcome Dr. Deborah Offner for our next B-PEN event, where she will share insight on how to support your teen during their junior year. Eleventh grade can be a deeply formative time, and Dr. Offner will offer practical strategies to help parents and caregivers create the kind of space that encourages teens to open up, communicate, and navigate this important stage with confidence. We hope you can join us for this thoughtful and supportive conversation! We hope to see you February 11th at 7:00 PM at Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Street, in the MLK Room. |
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT On November 17th, parenting expert Jon Cohan (CADC) led a presentation on “What Sophomore Parents Need to Know.” With over 13 years of professional experience working with adolescents and families, Jon shared guidance, communication tips, and practical strategies to help parents and caregivers support the well-being and healthy decision-making of their 10th graders as they navigate life at BHS. Check out our Parent Update to see what you missed and click here for a printable version. |
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LET'S TALK ABOUT TEENS AND GAMBLING...
The number of children experiencing gambling problems has quadrupled in just two years – currently, over 40,000 adolescents in Massachusetts, with studies showing that 60–80% of high school students have gambled in the past year. Children exposed to betting before age 12 are four times more likely to face gambling challenges as adults. What may start as seemingly harmless activities, such as video games with loot boxes, can lead to serious issues – gambling is linked to the highest suicide rates among addictions. Check out our page on Teens & Gambling for prevention tips, warning signs, resources, articles.
The number of children experiencing gambling problems has quadrupled in just two years – currently, over 40,000 adolescents in Massachusetts, with studies showing that 60–80% of high school students have gambled in the past year. Children exposed to betting before age 12 are four times more likely to face gambling challenges as adults. What may start as seemingly harmless activities, such as video games with loot boxes, can lead to serious issues – gambling is linked to the highest suicide rates among addictions. Check out our page on Teens & Gambling for prevention tips, warning signs, resources, articles.
SAFE HOLIDAYS 2025
The upcoming holiday season offers lots of opportunities for connecting with family and friends. But celebrations can contribute to increased alcohol and marijuana consumption, and for teens on school vacation with time on their hands, it can lead to all kinds of substance use experimentation. Be aware -- Brookline students say that their number one source for obtaining alcohol and pills are from their parents’ cabinets. And with the legalization of marijuana, adolescents also may be drawn to weed under the impression that it offers a safe high. B-PEN’s “Safe Holiday Tip Sheet” offers ideas on how to talk to your kids about substances and set a good example on the home front.
B-PEN WISHES EVERYONE A SAFE & HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON!
The upcoming holiday season offers lots of opportunities for connecting with family and friends. But celebrations can contribute to increased alcohol and marijuana consumption, and for teens on school vacation with time on their hands, it can lead to all kinds of substance use experimentation. Be aware -- Brookline students say that their number one source for obtaining alcohol and pills are from their parents’ cabinets. And with the legalization of marijuana, adolescents also may be drawn to weed under the impression that it offers a safe high. B-PEN’s “Safe Holiday Tip Sheet” offers ideas on how to talk to your kids about substances and set a good example on the home front.
B-PEN WISHES EVERYONE A SAFE & HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON!
Need Advice?
Brookline’s Public Health social workers, located in Room 149 at Brookline High School, offer families a safe and confidential source of advice, support, and information. They assist with issues related to working with teens, student mental health (including depression and anxiety) and prevention. For more information, call 617-713-5149 or contact Abby Dean at [email protected].
Karen Campbell
B-PEN Coordinator [email protected] |
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B-PEN is part of the Brookline Department of Public Health and Public Schools of Brookline Prevention/Intervention Programs for Youth.