Teen-agers take on own issues

By Sharon Salyer

Herald Writer

Of the "three evils" faced by teens — drugs, alcohol and tobacco — Meadowdale High School student Lora Reed said she thinks tobacco often gets too little attention.

"That’s something we need to change," she said.

Her solution: Start an intensive anti-tobacco program to hammer home how addictive and life-threatening tobacco can be.

"I think teens really have an, ‘It’s not going to happen to me’ attitude," she said, adding that anti-tobacco education programs should continue through high school.

Reed is just one of the teens who will participate in an upcoming youth panel being held Wednesday night at the Snohomish County PUD office in Everett.

Hosted by Gov. Gary Locke and Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel, the event will provide Reed and 15 other youths an opportunity to express their opinions on problems faced by teens.

In addition to drugs, alcohol and tobacco, safety in school and discrimination also are expected to be discussed.

Time will be set aside for audience members to ask questions of youth panelists.

Community leaders and elected officials have been invited so they can hear about these issues directly from teens, said Sarah Mariani, who is helping plan the event for the Snohomish County Health and Safety Network.

"For community leaders, it’s an opportunity to get information that hopefully will affect their decisions in the year to come," Mariani said.

"I think there are a lot of community leaders who don’t know what issues are affecting teens," Reed said. "They think alcohol and drugs are the only things that are troubling teens. There’s so many other things kids are getting stressed out about."

One of the most effective ways to have an impact with teens on issues such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs is to talk with people whose lives have been directly affected by those issues, Reed said.

This is one reason why posters and billboards of Debi Austin, the California woman who continued to smoke after having her larynx removed as part of a cancer operation, are so effective with teens, she said.

"I think being able to see it, not just, ‘Here’s a damaged lung,’ " Reed said.

Teens need to know you can die from smoking, "not when you’re 60 or 70 — you can die from lung cancer at any age."

Reed, a senior, is on the school soccer team and also volunteers in the mediation program for the Teen Hope Homeless Shelter in Shoreline.

A second youth forum, hosted by state Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov 20 at Ricketts Auditorium, 18315 Bothell Way NW.

The meeting has been scheduled to hear from middle and high school students about youth concerns. Students also may apply for a teen panel McAuliffe is forming to learn more about the legislative process.

You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486

or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

National Weather Service issues red flag warning for slopes of Cascades

High temperatures, low humidity and winds are combining for critical fire weather conditions, either “imminent or occurring now.”

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Photo courtesy of Graphite Arts Center
Amelia DiGiano’s photography is part of the “Seeing Our Planet” exhibit, which opens Friday and runs through Aug. 9 at the Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.
A&E Calendar for July 10

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Lynnwood
Lynnwood child, 4, accidentally shoots mother, father arrested

The child retrieved a loaded firearm from his father, who was asleep at the time, South County deputies said.

Opponents of President Donald Trump’s executive order indefinitely halting refugee resettlement in the U.S. rally on the steps of the federal courthouse in Seattle on Feb. 25, 2025, after a judge issued a ruling blocking the president’s order. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Refugees from travel ban countries must be allowed to enter US, Seattle judge rules

It’s the latest twist in the legal battle over President Trump’s attempt to block refugee resettlement.

Position 1 candidates prioritize public safety, differ on tax increases

Derica Escamilla is looking to retain her seat against challengers Dio Boucsieguez and Brandon Kimmel.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.