Teenagers should be living a carefree life and spending time with friends and making new ones. Social media and gun violence has made it difficult for that to happen. If you have young children and or teenagers please remember how much they need our support to have a healthy social life. Check in with them and ask them how they are feeling leading up to their spring break. They may have some intrusive thoughts, anxiety or night terrors. Help them work through and process what they are feeling. Seek to find or create opportunities where they can meet with their friends in person and have a good time. There are so many places in Pittsburgh where they can go that are free or low cost and remember there are enrichment programs like Gwen’s Girls, Infinite Lifestyle Solutions and Youth Places right here on the Northside, just to name a few. Being out in nature is one of the healthiest places where you don’t have to spend any money and receive the biggest benefit.

Think outside the box. Ask them what would you like to do this Easter weekend or spring break. Parents and guardians, remember, if it is a party, always speak to the adult who is hosting the party and make sure there will be adult supervision at the party.

Be safe and have a healthy happy spring break!

We love you!

— Cecelia Ware

President

Northside Public Safety Council