A “risk factor” is a reason or event that may cause a child to be more vulnerable or susceptible to unhealthy behavior. A “protective factor” is the practical and emotional support that parents, other adults and peers give to children that helps them resist unhealthy behavior.
Students in the Pierz Area Coalition (PAC) student network not only know the importance of protective factors, but also want to help ensure parents, community members and their peers understand and share the power of those protective factors. These students have designed a skit demonstrating the roles of various risk and protective factors in the lives of teens. The students, along with Region 4 Prevention Coordinator Nathan Sindt, performed their skit for parents and community members Monday at the Pierz Healy High School Media Center.
Students in the Pierz Area Coalition Student Network meet twice a month to develop and implement projects that encourage and support teens to not use alcohol. The Student Network also hosts chemical free activity nights for teens. The next two activity nights are open gym nights April 13 and April 27 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. in the Pierz Healy High School gym. The activity nights are open to all students in grades 6 – 12.