It’s one of the biggest worries for every parent: how to keep your kids off drugs, and how to keep a watch out for signs of drug use.

Now through Saturday, December 17, head to University Place for a special exhibit called “Hidden in Plain Sight.” It’s a mockup of a typical teenager’s bedroom; you’re invited to walk through it and try to find hidden drug paraphernalia and other signs of drug and alcohol use. You can also learn about the latest trends in substance abuse, as well as other signs and symptoms.

Even more importantly, the exhibit is designed to help teach you how to talk to your kids about drug use – and to encourage you to do so. (Even if it seems like your kids aren’t listening, they are. Officials say those parent-child conversations are among the most effective deterrents.)

WCHL’s Aaron Keck discussed the exhibit with Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood, Chapel Hill police officer Robin Clark, Jim Wise of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Elinor Landess of the Campus Community Coalition to Address High Risk Drinking.

 

“Hidden in Plain Sight” is open to everyone, at University Place through Saturday, December 17. It’s open and staffed Wednesday through Friday from 11-1 and 3-7, and Saturday from 11-7.

The exhibit is sponsored by Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, the Carrboro Police
Department, the Chapel Hill Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth, the Campus Community Coalition to Address High Risk Drinking, and Orange County Emergency Services.