BRITE youth
@briteyouth.bsky.social
Ventura County nonprofit engaging youth & young adults to create social change around drugs, alcohol, vaping, mental health, LGBTQ+ advocacy, & more. https://linktr.ee/briteyouth
How can alcohol affect your mind? The brain doesn't stop developing until the age of 25 & alcohol can greatly affect this process. Research shows that the earlier a person starts drinking, the more likely that person will develop problems with alcohol use disorder later in life.
December 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
How can alcohol affect your mind? The brain doesn't stop developing until the age of 25 & alcohol can greatly affect this process. Research shows that the earlier a person starts drinking, the more likely that person will develop problems with alcohol use disorder later in life.
¿Sabías que el consumo de cannabis puede afectar a tu cerebro a largo plazo? El consumo regular de cannabis durante la adolescencia puede afectar el desarrollo del cerebro y causar problemas a largo plazo para aprender y recordar cosas nuevas. PositivePaths.VenturaCounty.gov/es/marihuana/resumen.
December 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
¿Sabías que el consumo de cannabis puede afectar a tu cerebro a largo plazo? El consumo regular de cannabis durante la adolescencia puede afectar el desarrollo del cerebro y causar problemas a largo plazo para aprender y recordar cosas nuevas. PositivePaths.VenturaCounty.gov/es/marihuana/resumen.
Join the TO Teen Center for their NYE Bash on Weds, 12/31! The event starts at 9pm & ends with a balloon drop at 12am. There will be free food, a raffle, soda bar, photo booth & more! Open to 6th - 8th graders only. Learn more at thousandoaksteencenter.com 🥳🎆
December 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Join the TO Teen Center for their NYE Bash on Weds, 12/31! The event starts at 9pm & ends with a balloon drop at 12am. There will be free food, a raffle, soda bar, photo booth & more! Open to 6th - 8th graders only. Learn more at thousandoaksteencenter.com 🥳🎆
If the holidays are a struggle for you, you're not alone. There are a variety of reasons why your days may not be merry and bright. Check out this article for a great guide to managing your mental health: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/mcleans-guide-managing-mental-health-around-holidays.
December 22, 2025 at 6:01 PM
If the holidays are a struggle for you, you're not alone. There are a variety of reasons why your days may not be merry and bright. Check out this article for a great guide to managing your mental health: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/mcleans-guide-managing-mental-health-around-holidays.
Check out Plática con Café: Vaping & Cannabis Risks where Alma & Erika discuss the risks & harms of vaping, especially for children & teens. Topics include the risks of vaping cannabis, healthy habits, how to get help, and other coping skills.
https://youtu.be/BXByq0cr4JM?si=rTrboN4wZae95W4O
https://youtu.be/BXByq0cr4JM?si=rTrboN4wZae95W4O
Community Conversations - Vaping A Quick Guide for Parents
https://www.venturacountylimits.org/community-conversations
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Check out Plática con Café: Vaping & Cannabis Risks where Alma & Erika discuss the risks & harms of vaping, especially for children & teens. Topics include the risks of vaping cannabis, healthy habits, how to get help, and other coping skills.
https://youtu.be/BXByq0cr4JM?si=rTrboN4wZae95W4O
https://youtu.be/BXByq0cr4JM?si=rTrboN4wZae95W4O
Do you think you need to drink alcohol to destress? While it might seem like a good idea at the time, drinking to cope with stress can actually increase your stress levels once the alcohol is out of your system. Going for a walk, calling a friend, dancing & journaling are all great ways to destress.
December 18, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Do you think you need to drink alcohol to destress? While it might seem like a good idea at the time, drinking to cope with stress can actually increase your stress levels once the alcohol is out of your system. Going for a walk, calling a friend, dancing & journaling are all great ways to destress.
Check out this PSA about vaping created by Sinaloa Middle School students! Take their advice - quit before it's too late, or better yet, don't start. Thank you for speaking out! ❤️
https://youtu.be/jgpIH8p1wtY
https://youtu.be/jgpIH8p1wtY
PSA - Quit Before It's Too Late
Created by students from Sinaloa Middle School and our BRITE Media Team, Spring 2023.
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Check out this PSA about vaping created by Sinaloa Middle School students! Take their advice - quit before it's too late, or better yet, don't start. Thank you for speaking out! ❤️
https://youtu.be/jgpIH8p1wtY
https://youtu.be/jgpIH8p1wtY
In partnership with the Santa Paula HS Wellness Center, we're hosting a drive-up holiday giveaway tomorrow, Weds, 12/17 from 1:30 – 3:30pm! Community members are invited to receive holiday wellness bags & $30 grocery gift cards, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please spread the word!
December 16, 2025 at 9:35 PM
In partnership with the Santa Paula HS Wellness Center, we're hosting a drive-up holiday giveaway tomorrow, Weds, 12/17 from 1:30 – 3:30pm! Community members are invited to receive holiday wellness bags & $30 grocery gift cards, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please spread the word!
We had a blast at our Improv Party last week! This performance was the culmination of 5 weeks of our Theatre with Purpose: Building Skills for Life & Community Change youth improv workshops in Nov. and Dec. Thank you to our youth participants and the Santa Paula Theater Center!
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
We had a blast at our Improv Party last week! This performance was the culmination of 5 weeks of our Theatre with Purpose: Building Skills for Life & Community Change youth improv workshops in Nov. and Dec. Thank you to our youth participants and the Santa Paula Theater Center!
We love this performance by Angelina Leaños of her poem, Art, Mi Amor! Thank you so much for sharing your poetry with us 🙏❤️
https://youtu.be/g7Yp1wm0BtA
#artsandmentalhealth #venturacounty #vibewellvc #mentalhealth #artsandculture #advocacy #speakup
https://youtu.be/g7Yp1wm0BtA
#artsandmentalhealth #venturacounty #vibewellvc #mentalhealth #artsandculture #advocacy #speakup
Art, Mi Amor by Angelina Leaños
Angelina Leaños was the 2021-2022 Ventura County Youth Poet Laureate and is a student at California Lutheran University. In high school, she won the Poetry O...
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We love this performance by Angelina Leaños of her poem, Art, Mi Amor! Thank you so much for sharing your poetry with us 🙏❤️
https://youtu.be/g7Yp1wm0BtA
#artsandmentalhealth #venturacounty #vibewellvc #mentalhealth #artsandculture #advocacy #speakup
https://youtu.be/g7Yp1wm0BtA
#artsandmentalhealth #venturacounty #vibewellvc #mentalhealth #artsandculture #advocacy #speakup
#Tbt to Rio Real MS students playing our Alcohol, Drug & Vape Prevention Game! Students had fun answering questions and learning about alcohol, cannabis, vaping & addiction. Our games are one of our favorite (and most popular) ways of engaging students in prevention education.
December 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#Tbt to Rio Real MS students playing our Alcohol, Drug & Vape Prevention Game! Students had fun answering questions and learning about alcohol, cannabis, vaping & addiction. Our games are one of our favorite (and most popular) ways of engaging students in prevention education.
Regular cannabis use can lead to memory loss, learning difficulties & mental health issues, especially if you start during the teen years when the brain is still developing. Let's prioritize our well-being and make informed choices!
To learn more , visit PositivePaths.org/cannabis/brain.
To learn more , visit PositivePaths.org/cannabis/brain.
December 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Regular cannabis use can lead to memory loss, learning difficulties & mental health issues, especially if you start during the teen years when the brain is still developing. Let's prioritize our well-being and make informed choices!
To learn more , visit PositivePaths.org/cannabis/brain.
To learn more , visit PositivePaths.org/cannabis/brain.
Si te sientes presionado a tomar alcohol en una fiesta y no quieres, aquí tienes cinco formas de decir, “No estoy bebiendo esta noche.” A veces es más fácil si practicas decir que no con amigos o familiares. Recuerda que no estás solo.
December 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Si te sientes presionado a tomar alcohol en una fiesta y no quieres, aquí tienes cinco formas de decir, “No estoy bebiendo esta noche.” A veces es más fácil si practicas decir que no con amigos o familiares. Recuerda que no estás solo.
Frequent cannabis users may develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), sometimes referred to as scromiting (screaming + vomiting). Patients may experience acute stomach pain, nausea & severe vomiting. ER cases have increased with availability of high-potency cannabis.
https://ow.ly/rB8V50XFURh
https://ow.ly/rB8V50XFURh
‘Scromiting,’ a bizarre condition linked to chronic marijuana use, is on the rise
Explosive vomiting combined with screaming after marijuana use, called “scromiting” on social media, is on the rise in the US, including among teens. Here’s what you need to know.
www.yahoo.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Frequent cannabis users may develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), sometimes referred to as scromiting (screaming + vomiting). Patients may experience acute stomach pain, nausea & severe vomiting. ER cases have increased with availability of high-potency cannabis.
https://ow.ly/rB8V50XFURh
https://ow.ly/rB8V50XFURh
We love this post about ways to reduce stress during finals! Make sure to practice self-care, celebrate your progress, set realistic goals & embrace challenges. You got this! What other things do you like to do to support yourself and others during times of stress?
#vibewellvc #mentalhealthmatters
#vibewellvc #mentalhealthmatters
December 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
We love this post about ways to reduce stress during finals! Make sure to practice self-care, celebrate your progress, set realistic goals & embrace challenges. You got this! What other things do you like to do to support yourself and others during times of stress?
#vibewellvc #mentalhealthmatters
#vibewellvc #mentalhealthmatters
This holiday season, remember that alcohol affects the brain and body long after the last drink has been finished. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol continues to enter the bloodstream, resulting in impaired judgment and coordination for hours. Learn more: https://go.nih.gov/kaAEHxA.
December 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
This holiday season, remember that alcohol affects the brain and body long after the last drink has been finished. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol continues to enter the bloodstream, resulting in impaired judgment and coordination for hours. Learn more: https://go.nih.gov/kaAEHxA.
A 2024 study found that teens' closeness to parents & perceptions of parental cannabis use impacts their attitudes toward the drug & whether they intend to use it. Talk early & often with your kids about substance use, including cannabis, so they know the risks.
https://ow.ly/ytVm50Ut0mX
https://ow.ly/ytVm50Ut0mX
How Does Parental Relationship Affect Teen Cannabis Use? | Cannabis Sciences
Adolescents' closeness to parents and perceptions of parental cannabis use impact their attitudes toward the drug. | Cannabis Sciences
www.labroots.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:30 PM
A 2024 study found that teens' closeness to parents & perceptions of parental cannabis use impacts their attitudes toward the drug & whether they intend to use it. Talk early & often with your kids about substance use, including cannabis, so they know the risks.
https://ow.ly/ytVm50Ut0mX
https://ow.ly/ytVm50Ut0mX
We love this video featuring Andrei Iwata, one of our wonderful CSUCI Service Learning students! Andrei discusses how he uses music to support his mental wellness, focus on what's important, and stay away from partying. What's your favorite hobby? #vibewellvc
https://youtu.be/inlGNhJiZuI
https://youtu.be/inlGNhJiZuI
PSA - Music for Mental Wellness
A conversation with CSUCI student, Andrei Iwata, about how music supports his mental wellness. Produced by the BRITE Media Team, Fall 2023.
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 9:01 PM
We love this video featuring Andrei Iwata, one of our wonderful CSUCI Service Learning students! Andrei discusses how he uses music to support his mental wellness, focus on what's important, and stay away from partying. What's your favorite hobby? #vibewellvc
https://youtu.be/inlGNhJiZuI
https://youtu.be/inlGNhJiZuI
This study highlights why it's so important to provide mental health support to our youth & young adults as well as substance use prevention education. These are issues that BRITE currently addresses in schools across the county! ❤️
https://neurosciencenews.com/alcohol-cud-teens-psychology-28121/
https://neurosciencenews.com/alcohol-cud-teens-psychology-28121/
Alcohol Use Predicts Escalating Cannabis Vaping Among Youth - Neuroscience News
A recent study highlights alcohol as the strongest predictor of cannabis vaping initiation and experimentation among youth and young adults, regardless of demographic factors.
neurosciencenews.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM
This study highlights why it's so important to provide mental health support to our youth & young adults as well as substance use prevention education. These are issues that BRITE currently addresses in schools across the county! ❤️
https://neurosciencenews.com/alcohol-cud-teens-psychology-28121/
https://neurosciencenews.com/alcohol-cud-teens-psychology-28121/
Check out this new PSA about impaired driving created by Rancho Campana students & our media team! Alcohol can hinder your coordination & reaction time, both of which you need to drive safely. Stay safe this holiday weekend & always drive sober or use a DD or rideshare.
https://youtu.be/wJCz9aQpi-Q
https://youtu.be/wJCz9aQpi-Q
PSA - Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Created by students from Rancho Campana High School and our BRITE Media Team, October 2025.
youtu.be
November 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Check out this new PSA about impaired driving created by Rancho Campana students & our media team! Alcohol can hinder your coordination & reaction time, both of which you need to drive safely. Stay safe this holiday weekend & always drive sober or use a DD or rideshare.
https://youtu.be/wJCz9aQpi-Q
https://youtu.be/wJCz9aQpi-Q
In honor of National #Gratitude Month, we wanted to share these thank you notes written by Camarillo HS students after Roland shared our Media, Marketing & Your Mind media literacy workshop with them in March, 2021. One of the most rewarding parts of our job is making a difference in our community ❤️
November 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM
In honor of National #Gratitude Month, we wanted to share these thank you notes written by Camarillo HS students after Roland shared our Media, Marketing & Your Mind media literacy workshop with them in March, 2021. One of the most rewarding parts of our job is making a difference in our community ❤️
Our wonderful CLU intern, Gracie, supported our Reality Party for Parents last month & wrote a very thoughtful & powerful blog post about her experience. Fun fact: the featured photo is from our first-ever Reality Party in 2007! Read the post: https://www.briteyouth.org/post/behind-the-reality-party
November 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Our wonderful CLU intern, Gracie, supported our Reality Party for Parents last month & wrote a very thoughtful & powerful blog post about her experience. Fun fact: the featured photo is from our first-ever Reality Party in 2007! Read the post: https://www.briteyouth.org/post/behind-the-reality-party
Studies show that underage cannabis use can negatively affect teen brain development, IQ, & can damage neurons. Be kind to your mind & say no to underage cannabis use! For more information about cannabis & the teen brain, visit PositivePaths.VenturaCounty.gov/cannabis/overview. 🧠🙀
November 25, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Studies show that underage cannabis use can negatively affect teen brain development, IQ, & can damage neurons. Be kind to your mind & say no to underage cannabis use! For more information about cannabis & the teen brain, visit PositivePaths.VenturaCounty.gov/cannabis/overview. 🧠🙀
As the holidays approach, teens may be tempted to turn to alcohol to cope with stressors like school and holiday parties. Parents & caregivers, talk with your kids about the negative effects of alcohol to prevent underage drinking & encourage healthy coping skills instead.
November 24, 2025 at 7:01 PM
As the holidays approach, teens may be tempted to turn to alcohol to cope with stressors like school and holiday parties. Parents & caregivers, talk with your kids about the negative effects of alcohol to prevent underage drinking & encourage healthy coping skills instead.
In this episode of Plática con Café: Breaking Cycles, Erika sits down with Nicole to talk about the power of substance use prevention through education, outreach, & representation. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p92yUGHf0.
November 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM
In this episode of Plática con Café: Breaking Cycles, Erika sits down with Nicole to talk about the power of substance use prevention through education, outreach, & representation. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p92yUGHf0.