The Sentinel: Schools

Online alcohol delivery fuels concerns in Illinois Youth Survey, Marijuana use surges

New survey data shows a concerning rise in teen substance abuse in Illinois, including the impact of online alcohol delivery and marijuana trends among Illinois teens in the 2024 Youth Survey.

CHAMPAIGN - A new report on youth substance use in Illinois paints a sobering picture of emerging trends and longstanding challenges as more adolescents experiment with drugs and alcohol—and in some cases, suffer serious consequences.

The 2024 Illinois Youth Survey (IYS), released this spring, revealed that while overall youth substance use has not spiked dramatically, troubling new behaviors and increased accessibility are raising red flags for parents, educators, and policymakers alike.

Photo: R+R Medicinals/Pixabay

Among the most startling findings: Illinois teens are drinking at nearly double the national rate. Thirteen percent of Illinois youth reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days, compared with just 6.9% nationally. The data, collected by the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, also showed a growing number of youth engaging in binge drinking, acquiring substances online, or misusing prescription drugs.

The IYS, a biennial self-report survey first administered in 1993, is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and designed to provide both local-level insights and a scientific estimate of health and social behaviors statewide. It surveys eighth, 10th, and 12th graders on a wide range of issues including bullying, school climate, and substance use. This year’s sample included responses from more than 10,490 students.

Doug Smith, CPRD director and a professor of social work at the University of Illinois, said one unexpected pattern to emerge was teens acquiring liquor through home delivery services.

Clinicians are seeing an uptick in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome—a condition tied to heavy cannabis use that causes extreme nausea and vomiting.

“This is a newer trend that started when retailers moved to online delivery during the pandemic,” Smith told the University of Illinois News Bureau. “It may be time to think about what regulatory approaches, if any, are needed to prevent kids from ordering alcohol online.”

Substance access is also a concern when it comes to marijuana, especially highly potent products such as edibles. Among surveyed students, 1% of eighth graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 5% of 12th graders reported using cannabis 20 or more times a month.

The risks of cannabis products among children were underscored just last month when a 14-year-old was arrested at Urbana Middle School for possessing more than 500 grams of cannabis-infused edibles. Urbana police reported that the child may have been attempting to distribute the edibles, and that another student required medical attention after ingesting one. Experts note these products often contain THC levels up to six times the adult dosage, making them particularly harmful to young users.

Smith said clinicians are seeing an uptick in cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome—a condition tied to heavy cannabis use that causes extreme nausea and vomiting. “We’re getting increasing reports of teens experiencing cyclical vomiting syndrome,” he said. “It’s something we didn’t talk much about even five years ago.”

The IYS data also highlighted the continued presence of more dangerous narcotics among youth. While fewer students reported using illicit drugs like heroin or LSD—just 1% of eighth and 10th graders and 2% of 12th graders—these numbers still translate to thousands of teens across the state. Prescription drug misuse was also flagged, with some students reporting using medications not prescribed to them.

Many students acknowledged that their substance use was not without consequences. Fourteen percent of 12th graders and 8% of sophomores said their use had led to fights, injuries, or poor academic performance. Ten percent of seniors and 6% of sophomores reported experiencing blackouts. Others admitted to riding with or driving under the influence—11% of seniors and 6% of sophomores.

The reality of addiction has already touched some students. About 5% of high school sophomores and seniors said they were in recovery from a substance use problem.

In terms of perception, many teens seem to underestimate the risks of regular alcohol or marijuana use. While most students viewed daily cigarette smoking as dangerous, far fewer expressed concern over marijuana or moderate drinking. Only 61% of seniors thought using marijuana once or twice a week was harmful. And when asked about daily alcohol use, 21% of eighth graders and nearly one in five high schoolers saw little or no risk in having one or two drinks a day.

Still, the survey also found encouraging signs: More than 90% of students reported that their parents or guardians had talked to them about substance use in the past year, and a similar percentage said their families had clear rules around these behaviors.

Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS

Despite these preventative conversations, the reality of addiction has already touched some students. About 5% of high school sophomores and seniors said they were in recovery from a substance use problem. Smith noted this seemingly small percentage represents thousands of young people in Illinois who might benefit from alternative education options like recovery high schools, which offer a structured environment for students overcoming addiction.

While Illinois currently has no such schools, other states have implemented them with promising results.

“This data tells a much bigger story than just who’s using what,” Smith said. “It’s about the environments young people are navigating, the access they have to substances, and the types of supports they need to move toward healthier choices.”

The survey’s findings underscore the need for continued investment in prevention, education, and recovery programs for youth. The research was supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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Letter to the Editor |
Public school systems across the state are failing

Dear Editor,

Homeschooling is on the rise and some school administrators are very concerned that they’re losing tax resources with declining enrollment numbers.

Representative Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard) is targeting homeschooling families with HB 2827, claiming that she wants to protect children from parents “who don’t do it the right way...”

During a committee hearing last week, she argued that government officials “have a duty to ensure that children actually receive an education and that they don’t fall through the cracks of our system.”

Yet, according to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), less than 32 percent of high school seniors can read and less than 27 percent are proficient in Math.

ISBE reports an 88 percent graduation rate, which means that more than 228,000 students are being left behind.

Where is the concern about these students who are “falling through the cracks?”

Furthermore, students’ physical wellbeing is at risk. A 2018 Chicago Tribune investigation revealed over 500 cases of sexual abuse and rape by Chicago Public School staff against students over a decade, exposing grave deficiencies in hiring, training, reporting, and oversight.

This led to the creation of the Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU), which has reported 446 complaints of sexual misconduct in 2023, and 469 new complaints of adult-on-student abuse in 2024.

We know that these serious problems are not limited to Chicago schools. Public school systems across the state are failing in their responsibilities of educating and protecting children in their care.

Representative Howard doesn’t seem to understand that bureaucrats have proven themselves to be disqualified from doing the job that she thinks they can do.

Moreover: why diminish educational freedom in Illinois? Why usurp parental rights just to expand failing government authority over more students? Why try to fix something that doesn’t need fixing?

HB 2827 would punish families who do not file a declaration form with up to 30 days in prison and a $500 fine. This is alarming. Why would she separate families over a missing document?

This bill is unwarranted. Decades of homeschooling success demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that HB 2827 is a solution in search of a problem.

It is foolish to criminalize some of the best people in the state: Loving parents who want to educate, nurture and equip their children to be future productive members of society.

David E. Smith, Executive Director
Illinois Family Institute

Got something you want to get off your chest? Send us your letter to the editor today. Here is how: Read this.

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Schools urged to push back against new immigration policies

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection

Stacy Davis Gates, CTU president, reaffirmed the state's sanctuary status and the union's fight to uphold it.

CHICAGO - As Illinois parents and children continue to be on high alert amid fears of school immigration raids, school officials are publicly advocating for the rights and safety of students. Circulating reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showing up to some schools across the state continue. School attendance is dropping in some areas. This week, the Chicago Teachers Union staged walk-ins at several schools and teachers at more than a hundred others joined them as part of a national day of action against the Trump administration's deportation sweeps.

school classroom

Photo: Erik Mclean/Unsplash

Stacy Davis Gates, CTU president, reaffirmed the state's sanctuary status and the union's fight to uphold it.

"We are the only school district in the state that has any policy protocol regarding sanctuary to date," she said.

Last month, State Superintendent of Schools Tony Sanders issued a directive to schools across the state reminding them of their obligation to protect students' rights within their buildings. It outlined protections of students regardless of their immigration status and how to prepare if ICE agents show up.

During a recent school visit, Governor J.B. Pritzker called the increase in empty desks a big concern.

Gaby Pacheco, CEO of Dream.US, a national scholarship fund for undocumented students, says the policies and statements coming from the Trump administration are inciting ongoing trauma with dire consequences.

"The stress that these children are facing is unimaginable. With the constant threat of raids and the cruel scare tactics being used, their young lives are being consumed by fear. We've heard horrifying words from the Trump administration, words that claim there is no mercy for them," she said.

U.S. border czar Tom Homan accused Pritzker of scaring children after misinformation circulated about ICE showing up at a predominantly Latino elementary school in Chicago. Residents, however, continue to push back against the Trump administration's immigration policy changes. On Monday, some businesses and restaurants across Chicago closed, and some students stayed home from school as part of a nationwide boycott known as "A Day Without Immigrants."

Other interesting articles:

Assessing safety concerns when moving to a new neighborhood, practical tips to keep in mind

Moving to a new city or new home is an exciting chapter in anyone's life. Choosing a new neighborhood is a big decision, and safety concerns when moving to a new neighborhood should always be a priority.

Photo: Ricky Esquivel/PEXELS

SNS - Moving to a new neighborhood is an exciting chapter in your life, filled with opportunities for fresh experiences and connections. However, it's natural to feel cautious about your surroundings.

Safety concerns when moving to a new neighborhood are among the most important factors to address before settling into a new home. Understanding what to look for and how to evaluate a community’s safety, you can make a confident choice about your future home. Here are some practical steps to help prioritize your safety while embracing the excitement of moving to your new neighborhood.

Start with Researching Neighborhood Safety

Knowing the safety record of a neighborhood is an important first step. Start by reviewing local crime statistics from trusted sources like government websites or public safety reports, as these numbers can give you an overview of the area’s safety trends.

Compare the crime rates of your chosen neighborhood to nearby areas, focusing on the types of crimes reported, as property crimes like theft might impact your daily life differently than violent crimes. Stay informed about recent events by reading local news articles that highlight ongoing concerns or improvements in the area. If possible, reach out to local police departments for insights into common safety issues and efforts to address them, combining data and expert input to build a strong foundation for evaluating the neighborhood’s safety.

Photo:Alicja Podstolska/Unsplash

Take time to visit the neighborhood you are considering to relocate your home. Observe the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a sense of its activity levels and overall vibe.

Addressing Moving Day Safety Concerns

Before you dive into the moving process, it’s important to check out the dos and don'ts for moving day to stay safe and organized.

Proper planning can make all the difference. Start by labeling your boxes clearly to avoid confusion when unpacking, and create an inventory list to track everything. Packaging in stages is also a good idea, leaving out only what you need until the last minute. Overpacking boxes can make them too heavy to handle safely, so be mindful of their weight.

Don’t forget to notify important parties, like your utility providers and postal services, about your address change—especially if you're moving within states like Connecticut, where state law requires movers to be licensed for certain types of moves. Avoid rushing the process—take your time to carefully load and organize your items, reducing the chance of accidents and damage.

Observe the Neighborhood Atmosphere

Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks

Take time to visit the area you want to live and talk to current residents. Check out the night life and security measures.

Taking time to observe the area can reveal important details about safety concerns when moving to a new neighborhood. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a sense of its activity levels and overall vibe. Look for well-lit streets; good lighting can deter crime and make evening walks more comfortable. Pay attention to the condition of public spaces, parks, and sidewalks, as a well-maintained environment often reflects a community that values safety. Notice if homes and businesses have visible security measures, like surveillance cameras or sturdy fencing.

Check for signs of active community involvement, such as neighborhood watch programs or posted safety guidelines, as these indicate a collective effort to maintain a secure environment.

Assess Safety Concerns When Moving to a New Neighborhood by Speaking with Current Residents

Speaking with people who already live in the area can give you a clearer picture of the neighborhood’s safety. Ask them about their experiences and whether they feel comfortable walking around at night. Residents can provide valuable insights that might not be obvious during a visit, like how often they hear about thefts or other issues. Engaging in these conversations is also a great way to start building new connections, which can help you feel more rooted and informed in your new environment.

Find out if there are any community-led safety initiatives, such as neighborhood watch groups or regular meetings to discuss concerns. You can also ask for their recommendations on local resources, like trusted repair services or safe routes for walking and biking. Personal stories often paint a more accurate picture than statistics alone.

Assess Proximity to Emergency Services

Living near emergency services can greatly impact your sense of security, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Start by checking the distance to the nearest police station and fire department, as shorter distances often translate to faster response times in emergencies.

Research how efficiently these services operate by looking into average response times for the area and any recent feedback from residents about their experiences with local emergency responders. In addition, consider the proximity of hospitals or urgent care centers, particularly if you or your family have specific medical or health needs that might require quick access to treatment.

Look into School and Family-Friendly Ratings

If you have children or plan to in the future, evaluating the neighborhood’s family-friendly features is crucial. Start by researching local schools, focusing on their academic performance and safety protocols. Schools with a strong reputation often reflect a community that prioritizes safety and development. Check if the schools have measures like secure entrances, regular safety drills, or anti-bullying initiatives in place.

Beyond education, explore parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas, as these spaces should be clean, well-maintained, and actively used by families. Look for signs of regular upkeep, such as trimmed grass, functioning equipment, and good lighting. Consider family-oriented community programs or events that promote connection among neighbors. A neighborhood that supports families in these ways often indicates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Utilize Digital Tools and Apps

Technology can be a powerful ally when assessing neighborhood safety. Crime-mapping websites or apps can help visualize recent incidents and identify patterns in specific areas. These tools often let you filter data by type of crime or time frame, helping you spot trends that might not be obvious otherwise.

Join neighborhood forums or social media groups where locals share updates and discuss safety topics. These platforms can provide firsthand accounts of incidents and tips from residents. Look for reviews on moving or real estate websites, as they often include safety-related comments from past or current residents. By combining these digital resources, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the neighborhood’s safety without relying solely on in-person visits or official reports.

Test Your Comfort Level

After gathering information, it’s time to trust your instincts. Spend time in the neighborhood at different hours, especially during the evening and nighttime, to see how it feels. Walk around and observe your surroundings—do you feel comfortable and at ease?

Visit local shops, parks, and restaurants to get a sense of the community’s atmosphere and how friendly or welcoming people are. Talk to residents, if possible, and see if they seem happy and safe in the area. If you can, take a walk along routes you would use regularly, such as the path to work, or observe the bus route to school to assess how safe you feel. This hands-on experience is often the best way to judge whether a neighborhood is right for you and your family’s safety needs.

Choosing a new neighborhood is a big decision, and safety concerns when moving to a new neighborhood should always be a priority. Research thoroughly, visit the area, and talk to residents. Use digital tools to check crime rates and safety. Assess the proximity to emergency services, schools, and family-friendly spaces. Test your comfort level in the area to decide if it feels right for you. Trust your instincts and prioritize your peace of mind above all when selecting your new neighborhood.

Catching up, new device touted to improve pandemic learning loss

Some children experienced an academic and developmental delay due to the pandemic. A new device from Animal Island Learning Adventure assists with improving literacy, problem solving, and creativity in young children.

Thomas G./Pixabay

NewsUSA - A year after the coronavirus pandemic turned education upside down, educators and parents are assessing learning loss and the need to help young children get on track and meet milestones they may have missed because of closed or limited daycare centers and preschools.

Many preschoolers missed out on not only academic development, but also social/emotional education with opportunities for engagement and support.

The Animal Island Learning Adventure (AILA) Sit & Play interactive device offers a unique and effective solution to the challenges of promoting early childhood development at home and in the daycare or preschool setting.

AILA is a hands-free device designed as an early education tool for children ages 12 months and older to build the skills they need to proceed to school. The content is attentive, supportive, and responsive; it meets children where they are, and gets them where they need to be. The curriculum includes literacy, numeracy, problem solving, story time, collaboration, communication, creativity, and music, and addresses social as well as academic development. Children are engaged in active, not passive, screen time.

"What is really rewarding is to impact people's lives in education early on," says Helen Fu Thomas, CEO of DMAI, Inc.

"Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, AILA helped tens of thousands of American households and many daycare centers educate the toddlers and preschoolers effectively," she adds. AILA is the no. 1 New Release on Amazon in the Toddler Electronic Learning System category.

Daycare providers can use AILA as a simple solution to help combat pandemic learning loss.

"I work with inner-city kids from middle- and low-income families," says Maria Benjamin, director of the Next Generation Learning Center in Richmond, VA. "These families deserve the best. I believe they can have a promising beginning and a good foundation of learning, and I'm very thankful they can get a head start with AILA."

AILA has no advertising or inappropriate content, and requires no subscription fees. An accompanying app lets parents set content and check in on their child's progress and activities remotely.

Visit animalisland.us for more information and for a special offer on AILA Sit and Play.

Urbana Board of Education seeks to fill open board seat

URBANA - The Urbana Board of Education #116 is taking applications to replace former member Dr. Ravi Hasanadka, who resigned at the Feb. 26 special board meeting. The prospective board member must live in Illinois and Sub-District #2 for at least one year to be eligible. The individual appointed to the seat will serve until April 2025.

The sub-district primarily includes the areas surrounding Urbana High School and Blair Park in Urbana.

"Applicants should show familiarity with the Board’s policies regarding general duties and responsibilities of a School Board and a School Board member, including fiduciary responsibilities, conflict of interest, ethics, and gift ban. The Board’s policies are available on the USD #116 website," says a press release released today.

Candidates for the position are required to complete a statement of interest, submit a current resume, and a letter that addresses their reasons for wanting to serve on the district school board. Applications materials should be placed in a sealed envelope to the attention of School Board President Paul Poulosky by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at 1101 E. University in Urbana. Application materials can be submitted via email to Board Recording Secretary, Lori Johnson at lajohnson@usd116.org.

Follow this link for more information.

Foundation study reports Illinois' child well-being varies widely by race

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

A new report looks at children's well-being in every state and finds in Illinois, the outcomes vary greatly depending on race.

In its Race for Results report, the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzed indicators of child well-being, from early childhood education and reading achievement, to family resources.

One indicator needing attention is fourth-grade reading proficiency. One in three Illinois students is reading at grade level, but only 13% of Black fourth graders.

Katelyn Jones, vice president of policy research and evaluation at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, explains the need to correct the discrepancy early.

"We know for a fact, based on lots of research, that reading proficiency levels at the fourth grade level are really strong indicators for high school graduation rates, college enrollment, income," Jones outlined. "All of these benchmarks for success later in life."

On the Casey Foundation's scale of 1,000 points, white children got the highest score for well-being in Illinois, at 740 points. Hispanic children saw a score of just over 500 points, and Black children, 341 points. Jones noted parents working long hours and the cost of early childhood education programs are additional factors in the education disparities.

The report suggested expanding the federal Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit could help narrow the gaps for children of color, along with targeted programs and policies. Jones pointed out the need for continued support for early childhood education to help set kids up for success in school. She acknowledged one resource is showing promise to achieve the goal.

"Illinois is doing a pretty good job of that," Jones noted. "The governor's Smart Start Illinois program, as that goes into effect, I'm sure that will work to address many of the challenges."

The Smart Start Illinois program is a multiyear plan to provide every child with access to preschool, increase funding to child care providers and reach more vulnerable families with early support.

Guest Commentary | School bullying must stop, everyone must work together

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Four New Jersey teenagers have been charged in connection with the attack of a 14-year-old girl who later took her own life after video of the incident was posted on social media.

One juvenile is charged with aggravated assault, two juveniles are charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and one juvenile is charged with harassment, Ocean County prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer told CBS News in an email.

Adriana Kuch, 14, was found dead in her Bayville home on February 3, two days after the disturbing video of the attack at Central Regional High School was posted online. The video showed girls throwing a drink at the teen, then kicking and dragging her down school hallways. They pushed Adriana into red lockers lining the school hallways and one of the girls in a pink shirt punched Kuch repeatedly.

When I was an elementary child riding the school bus, we had a few fights on the bus. One young man who didn’t live that far from me was constantly getting into fights on the school bus. One day he had a kid down repeatedly punching him in the face. The bus driver stopped the bus and escorted both boys off the bus while still a couple of miles from their homes. We then drove off and left them on the road.

I don’t recall seeing the fight continue as they now had to walk or hitchhike a ride to get home. Since the one boy was being beaten so bad, I don’t think the driver made the best decision since the other kid could have finished him off on the rural road we were traveling. However, it did appear the fight had stopped as we drove off. Most likely not having a bus audience, bleeding and having to walk home changed the scenario.

In the sixties and seventies there were bad things that happened in schools that often got swept under the rug. With no social media kids usually ended up working it out or staying away from people we didn’t like. Often many of us never took our school problems home because our parents had enough problems without having to worry about our school fusses. Or, we were afraid we might get in trouble at home.

School children face challenges. There are ongoing pressures from bullies who must be corralled and disciplined, dismissed from school or in some cases put in a place where they can get rehabilitation and help for their psychotic issues.

Locking a 14-year-old up in jail for years solves nothing. However, kids that bring about injury or death to another student need mental help and rehabilitation before being freed to invoke pain on someone again. Most likely if your family has lost a family member to a bully you want the offender locked up for life.

Even though my school era was not a perfect world schoolteachers and principals had authority to paddle our butts. They had authority to discipline us, suspend us from school and could put bite with their bark. We knew the teachers ruled and we respected them. I can remember see paddling’s that I never wanted to get and received a couple myself.

No school has the ability to patrol every corner of a school facility. Bullying, fights and bad things typically occur in unsupervised spaces. Schools can’t hire enough security guards or have enough monitors to patrol ever corner.

Every day in every state in America a private school is starting or the ground work is being formulated.

Ten years from now almost every city and even small community in America will have a private or faith-based school. Some of these will only be elementary schools but many have or will develop junior and senior highs. Such schools are not free of their own issues but parents across America are desperate for safe places for their kids.

Parents want a place where there is zero tolerance of bullies and an administration who means business about protecting the children. They want an environment where their children can be mentored, taught and prepared better for life, college or to move into adult jobs.

Parents don’t want a school who they feel is working against them or hiding things from them.

Life is like this. The world is like a jungle most days. There are bullies in the workplaces, neighborhoods and mean people can be found all over. This is why we have the right to call 911. We can file charges against people with the police. We should have the right to carry a firearm and defend ourselves. We have to work to help each other and protect each other.

Teachers, administrators, parents and students must work together for safety and security. Children and teachers must feel safe with an environment free from bullying, hazing or intimidation. Kids should not have to wake up every day fearful of going to school. Neither should the school staff and parents.

The issue of bullying and school safety requires school boards, all staff, parents and students to work together. It’s not a task for a few to accomplish but a job for us all.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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