Beyond ‘Just Say No’: How to Help Teens Make Positive Decisions About Substance Use
Beyond 'Just Say No':
How to Help Teens Make Positive Decisions About Substance Use
Empowering Parents to Guide Healthy Decisions and Stronger Connections
Are you worried about your teen’s relationship with social media, vaping, or peer pressure—but not sure how to start the conversation?
You’re not alone. Today’s parents face challenges previous generations never imagined: THC vapes disguised as USB drives, mental health struggles amplified by social comparison, and a constant stream of influence from screens.
Even the most attentive parents can feel unprepared when teens ask about vaping THC, when their behavior suddenly changes, or when they are dealing with life challenges like failure or stress. Our parent education speaker on teen Substance use prevention can help.
As seen/heard on:
You might be wondering:
- “How do I get my teen to open up?”
- “How worried should I be about vaping or THC products?”
- “How do I talk about stress, failure, or peer pressure without pushing them away?”
Robert Hackenson Jr.’s Parent & Community Night Presentation answers these questions with clarity, empathy, and practical tools families can use immediately—helping you connect with your teen even when they seem distant.
Meet Robert Hackenson Jr.
With more than 20 years of experience presenting in schools across 49 states, Canada, and around the world, Robert has become one of the nation’s most trusted parent education speaker on teen substance use.
He’s known for his unique “edutainment” style—mixing evidence-based content with humor, storytelling, and live illusions to make complex topics engaging and memorable.
Parents appreciate that his presentations are not lectures, but dynamic sessions that combine research, real-world insights, and relatable stories that help them see the world through their teen’s eyes.
What Parents & Guardians Learn
This presentation bridges the communication gap between parents and teens by combining current research with practical strategies for everyday life.
Key Learning Points:
- The most common reasons students turn to substances—including stress, anxiety, heartbreak, and social pressure.
- The influence of social media, online culture, and viral trends on teen identity and behavior.
- How to recognize early warning signs of stress, anxiety, or substance experimentation.
- Proven strategies to start open, nonjudgmental conversations.
- How to model emotional regulation and healthy coping skills.
- How to connect even when your teen seems distant.
Parents leave feeling empowered and equipped, not fearful—ready to build stronger, more trusting relationships with their children.
Why Communities Trust Robert Hackenson Jr.
This presentation works because it’s research-based, relatable, and refreshingly real. As a parent education speaker on teen substance use prevention, Robert approaches prevention through connection—helping parents understand what drives their children’s choices and how small daily interactions can make a big difference.
Why Schools & Organizations Book This Program:
- Complements daytime student assemblies for a full community impact.
- Provides consistent language and messaging between home and school.
- Reinforces social-emotional learning (SEL) and prevention education goals.
- Engages parents with humor, hope, and actionable takeaways.
- Fits perfectly into PTA meetings, family wellness nights, or community prevention coalitions.
Presentation Format & Customization
The Parent & Community Night Presentation runs about 60 minutes, including Q&A.
It can be delivered:
- In-person for school and community events
- Virtually for districts with wide geographic reach
- As part of a full-day package (daytime student presentations + evening parent program)
Robert works closely with each host to tailor content for the audience—whether the focus is vaping, social media, decision-making, or overall family communication.
Results You Can Expect
- Parents understand the real challenges teens face today.
- Families communicate more openly and empathetically.
- Schools see greater collaboration between parents and staff on prevention goals.
- Community organizations gain a trusted partner for substance awareness outreach.
This program isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment through understanding.
Ideal For:
- Parent & Family Engagement Nights
- Community Prevention Coalitions
- Wellness or Mental Health Weeks
- PTA or District-Wide Initiatives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Enhanced)
Q1: How long is the parent program?
Typically about 60 minutes, including Q&A. The presentation can be shortened or expanded based on your schedule.
Q2: Can parents attend if their children saw the student presentation?
Yes—and that’s encouraged! The messages are designed to complement one another, creating a shared understanding and conversation at home.
Q3: What topics are covered?
Parent sessions cover communication, social media influence, vaping awareness, and understanding teen stress and decision-making.
Q4: Is it suitable for community-wide events?
Absolutely. Many prevention coalitions and family wellness nights host Robert as a keynote speaker for multi-school or district-wide gatherings.
Q5: What makes this presentation different from typical “drug talks”?
Robert focuses on connection, not fear. Rather than lecturing about dangers, he teaches parents how to understand teen decision-making. Then parents learn how to recognize early warning signs, and have conversations that actually strengthen relationships. The presentation combines neuroscience, social psychology, and practical communication tools.
Q6: How do I know if my teen needs this kind of support?
If your teen is experiencing stress, social pressure, changes in mood, or if you simply want to be proactive about prevention, this presentation is valuable. Most substance use prevention works best BEFORE problems develop.
Q7: Can this presentation work for diverse communities?
Yes. Robert tailors content for different demographics, cultural contexts, and community concerns. Whether your focus is alcohol, vaping, marijuana, opioids, mental health, or general decision-making, the presentation adapts to your needs. Robert also has a variety or presentation topics for schools and communities.
Q8: What’s the difference between the parent presentation and the student assembly?
Student presentations focus on peer influence, brain science, and decision-making skills. Parent presentations focus on understanding teen behavior, recognizing warning signs, and communication strategies. Together, they create a consistent message between home and school.
Q9: How much does the parent night cost?
Pricing varies based on location, format (in-person vs. virtual), and whether you’re bundling with student presentations. Contact us for a custom quote and information packet.
Includes 1 Year Access to Curriculum for FREE!
The learning doesn’t have to stop after the assembly. Along with each vaping awareness school assembly presentation, your school will get access to the vaping awareness curriculum for 1 calendar year for FREE through our online portal. This curriculum includes videos, class discussion questions, and class activities and/or assignments that goes along with the vaping presentation. This keeps the learning going far beyond the presentation and reinforces the important lessons.
Flat Day Rate Pricing Option
The flat day rate offers up to 4 presentations within 24 hours for 1 flat rate. These presentations can be on different topics, for different grades, at different schools, and can include a parent/community night. This allows schools to work together and maximize budgets and resources.
Want More Information?
Ready to have a parent education night speaker on teen substance use prevention for your community? Request information packet to receive pricing options, extended video clips, request live demo, and more.
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