Parents and grandparents like to think of themselves as savvy and not easily fooled.
A public awareness campaign called What You Don’t See is designed to educate parents, grandparents and teachers on the warning signs of dangerous behaviors that might be right under their noses.
What You Don’t See uses a trailer outfitted to resemble a typical teenager’s bedroom, complete with furniture, clothing, technology and various sports and hobby equipment. It also contains symbols and imagery of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and gangs that the adults might not recognize.
After a introductory presentation, the adults walk through this trailer and then afterwards discuss what they noticed.
The program is available for schools and other organizations. One requirement is that local law enforcement be involved in the discussions before and after and that a short video from What You Don’t See be shown to participants. Ideas on how to intervene are provided.
What you don’t see or don’t recognize could be the start of a substance addiction, a suicide attempt or involvement in gang crimes. Nobody wants to think the teen they love could be drawn into dangerous behavior, but every year families are devastated to learn their son or daughter chose to do so.
What You Don’t See was developed by the Iowa Narcotics Officers Association, with assistance from community partners Sammons Financial Group, Karl’s Chevrolet and the Des Moines Area Community College.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
