In today’s world, social media isn’t just shaping teen culture—it’s fueling a dangerous shift in youth drug trends. This session dives deep into how platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram have become virtual marketplaces for nicotine, marijuana, counterfeit pills, and other substances, often hidden in plain sight. We’ll examine the latest social media trends that glamorize risky behavior, from viral vape tricks to drug-themed challenges, and how these trends normalize use while lowering perceived risk.
We’ll also address the growing crisis of sextortion—where predators use social media to exploit teens for explicit content or money—and its alarming connection to substance abuse, mental health struggles, and overdose cases.
Drawing from real-world law enforcement cases, school incidents, and prevention efforts, this session will equip educators, parents, and professionals with the tools to recognize warning signs, understand the digital drug economy, and take proactive steps to protect today’s youth from both online exploitation and drug harm.
