HOULTON, Maine — A quick glance into a teenager’s bedroom can be like seeing the aftermath of a bomb, with clothes sprawled onto the floor, clean with dirty or slung over a chair. But, what are parents not seeing? Many just want to walk back out of the room and close the door.
On Thursday, an interactive exhibit called “Hidden In Plain Sight” will be offered in two sessions at Furniture Floors North at 45 Access Road in Houlton. The first session begins at 6 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m.
The exhibit is designed to resemble a teenager’s bedroom that will help parents and other adults learn to identify signs that may reveal risky teen behaviors. No youth are permitted.
“The exhibit is a must-see for anyone with children, especially teenagers, in the home,” said Mark Shea, Aroostook Drug Free Communities project coordinator. “Throughout the display are items that may indicate that a teen is involved in some high-risk behavior such as substance abuse, underage drinking, eating disorders, sexual activity and more.”
Along with Aroostook Drug Free Communities, the Houlton Police Department and the Aroostook Sheriff’s office will be represented. Link for Hope and several area schools are sponsoring the free event.
“Substance abuse prevention professionals and law enforcement staff will be on hand to guide participants through the exhibit and to answer questions,” Shea explained. “Organizers encourage adults to explore and interact with the display to get an up-close look at the items in the room; participants will be enlightened, educated and astonished.”
For more information, contact Mark Shea, Aroostook Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator at mark@powerofprevention.org.
