Kratom Is an Unregulated, Addictive, Opioid-Like Drug Found in Drinks Such as Feel Free
What? Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its opioid-like effects. According to NBC News, it’s not approved for any purpose in the United States. But millions of Americans take it, claiming it “boosts energy, treats pain and anxiety, provides a high and even relieves symptoms of withdrawal from opioids.”
So What? Though considered “safe” in small doses, people have died from overdosing on kratom. A 2022 study found that nearly a third of all U.S. kratom users qualify for kratom-use disorder. And though most distributors require buyers to be 21 or older, it is available over-the-counter from companies such as Botanic Tonics in their Feel Free Classic products.
Now What? If your child is under 21, they shouldn’t be using any kratom products at all. Even so, you should still take the time to educate your teen on the potential harms of anything containing the drug. Make sure he or she understands that just because a product is marketed as “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s safe. And if your teen is suffering from symptoms of kratom addiction or withdrawal, seek professional medical help.
‘Daddy Prank’ Says a Lot About Innuendo, Irritating Teens
What? The “Daddy Prank” circulating on social media involves moms calling their husbands “daddy” in front of their kids. It’s a relatively harmless prank, but it also says a lot about innuendo in modern culture.
So What? Younger kids tend to have more innocent reactions to this prank. They might be confused why mom is suddenly calling dad “daddy” instead of his name, but they shrug it off. Teenagers, on the other hand, tend to associate the term with sexual innuendo, so their reactions are much more dramatic.
Now What? Considering that this prank is largely parents sarcastically punking or “rage-baiting” their kids, there’s not a ton to address here. However, if your teen is one of the more reactionary ones, it might be worth having a conversation about relationships—namely, which terms of endearment are actually (ahem) endearing vs. which ones should probably raise a red flag.
BookTok Has Fueled an Obsession with Romance Novels
What? BookTok is the name given to TikTok’s literary community. (Bookstagram is the Instagram equivalent.) Users who follow BookTok content can connect with fellow bibliophiles, get recommendations for their next read and learn about new books and authors. However, according to People magazine, “the romance genre reigns supreme.”
So What? When I say romance genre, I’m not talking about innocent love stories, either. We’re talking steamy, often sexually explicit, adult novels that many would probably consider borderline pornographic. But BookTok has been so successful in promoting the romance genre that several entrepreneurs across the country have been able to open and successfully operate bookstores dedicated to the genre.
Now What? If you have a teen who is an ardent reader and has joined the BookTok community, it’s definitely worth having a conversation about this trend. You don’t have to tell her (or him) to unfollow BookTok, necessarily. However, you should talk about the types of books that users might recommend to them. Stories with sensual or sexually explicit content can evoke the same imagery as TV shows or movies with that sort of content. Research has found that romance novels can also have a similar effect as porn, creating unhealthy expectations about what love should looklike, which could negatively impact your child’s ability to have a healthy relationship in the future.
