Earth to parents: Are you aware of the energy drink called, “blow?” If not you should.
I know. Kids will be kids. But there are certain risky behaviors kids, tweens, and teens do that parents better wise up, get educated about and step in. Allowing kids to use an energy drink called, “Blow” is one of those times. The drink is available for kids to buy online and may be coming to a store near you. The product is causing an uproar amongst the medical profession, substance abuse counselors as well as parents and for good reason. Here is why I’m concerned and want you to be aware of the product.
My biggest concern is that the product imitates the look and feel of cocaine. It comes as a white powder in a vile. The actual kit is packaged in a syrofoam container so it is made to look like a block of cocaine. Blow is the street name for cocaine. This is all about glorifying cocaine and criminal-like behavior to our kids.
My second concern is about our kids health. We’re already seeing that too many of our kids are using caffeine as an energy source. One can of blow has the equivalent of three cups of coffee. Medical professionals warn parents that heavy dosage of caffeine increases blood pressure, and causes heart palpitations. That’s also more sleepless nights for too many sleep-deprived kids.
My third concern is that product developers are marketing this drink straight to adolescents and making no apologies for the product. In fact, marketers also claim that there is “zero evidence” to prove that using blow will cause kids to impede in drugs. Oh really?
- Why then does research show that kids who see those drinking advertisements are more likely to drink at a younger age?
- Why then does research show that young girls who view repeated images of pencil-thin models are more likely to develop eating disorders?
- Why then does research show that kids whose parents smoke are more likely to take up smoking themselves?
- Why then does research show that kids whose parents allow them to drink early — or in the “comfort” of their homes are more likely to drink earlier?
The list goes on…but so too does the opposite:
- Why then does research show that kids whose parents tell them repeatedly that they want them to abstain from sex until marriage are more likely to do so?
- Why then does research out just this week show that parents who set limits, set rules, and monitor their kids comings and goings (and know their friends and aren’t afraid to say no) significantly lower their kids risky behaviors?
I beg to differ with anyone who say that this drink is not anything but T.R.O.U.B.L.E. for our kids.
Children are influenced by what they see, hear and copy.
Don’t let your kids think there is anything cute about this product. Speak up!
For more ways to reduce your child’s risky behaviors or know when to worry refer to The Big Book of Parenting: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. In particular, check the chapters on Cliques, Drinking, Disciplining Other Kids, Growing Up Too Fast, Role Models, Sex, Peer Pressure. Follow me on twitter @micheleborba or on my website at Michele Borba.