Be My Neighbor! Forming Neighborhood 'Safety Nets'

by SAMHSA

You live near them. You may see them almost every day. But how well do you know them?

They are your neighbors. Sometimes, people's lives are so busy that they rarely speak to their neighbors, let alone get to know them. But finding time to build relationships with the people who live close to you and your family can help your child in many ways.

What To Know

Research shows that a feeling of community with neighbors is an important step in reducing risky behaviors and mental health problems among children. For example, children who have positive relationships with adults may be at lower risk for delinquency and substance use.

Since you and your neighbors may send your children to the same schools and activities, you may share the same concerns about neighborhood safety. They may be willing to join you in helping to protect children from drug use and other risky behaviors.

What To Do

Kids Can Get Involved ...

Kids can benefit from having a "safety net" - neighbors who care, listen, monitor them, and guide them toward safe choices. The three protective processes listed below can help your child bond with other adults.

1. Opportunities for involvement. Urge your child to join in fun, substance-free activities offered by youth centers, faith organizations, and schools. Strong bonds can be made when children take part in meaningful activities and feel valued for their input.

2. Skills for successful involvement. Help your child build the right skills - social, academic, or behavioral - to participate in neighborhood activities.

3. Recognition for involvement. Young people need to be recognized and valued for their work. Praise your child's efforts regularly and urge neighbors to show their appreciation as well.

Parents Can Get Involved ...

If you and your child have trouble finding healthy and fun ways to get involved, or if you've simply had a stroke of creativity, you can start your own neighborhood activity. Plan a mural painting with an antidrug theme, start a book or sports club, or form a service group to volunteer at a local organization (such as an animal shelter or a retirement center). Make sure both kids and adults can take part, keeping in mind that activities planned between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. give kids something to do after school.

Healthy after-school activities can help keep your child safe and also can be a great time for you to chat with other parents. Together, you can make your neighborhood a safer place for children. You can join with other parents to:

• Start a neighborhood network or coalition. Invite other families to join you. Check out Help Your Community.org or Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America for tips on starting your own neighborhood antidrug coalition.

• Educate yourself and your neighbors about the risk factors in your area and the warning signs for risky behavior in children.

• Ask community leaders to assess local risk and protective factors related to drug problems in order to target prevention efforts.

You want to protect your child from unsafe behavior, and living in a place that supports you increases this protection.2 Forming a "safety net" in your area can start with making a simple, friendly gesture toward a neighbor. So make a point to introduce yourself and your family to your neighbors. Wave at the neighbor driving by on his way home. Stop to chat with the neighbor working in her front yard. Smile at the neighbor waiting at the bus stop. These small gestures can make a real difference when it comes to keeping your child drug free.

About the Author

www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.