Back to school: What’s in your child’s backpack?

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — The goal is to "fit in," according to MedlinePlus. For some students, that pressure can lead to experimenting most commonly with substances like alcohol, marijuana and tobacco. But the dangers can be fatal.

In 2025, 41% of 12th-graders reported drinking alcohol, and 25% reported using marijuana.

Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45.

While parents worry about substance use year-round, these substances can be distracting during school hours and inhibit a productive learning environment. In fact, some students are buying or making discreet compartments to bring devices to school in their backpacks.

"There's a lot of disguises out there, so just be cautious of anything that looks out of place. Devices that may look like highlighters, pens or even hoodie sweaters," Palm Springs Unified School District Director of Security and Disaster Preparedness Alex Borrego said.

Digging deeper, News Channel 3 spoke with officials from Hazelden Betty Ford to learn more about how parents should approach conversations. Their advice: Prevention starts with education and a conversation.

"The biggest mistake I see parents make is that my kids won't do that," Melissa Hawkins, a clinical supervisor at Hazelden Betty Ford, said. "It doesn't matter what school you go to, it's everywhere."

She said keeping an open, two-sided dialogue is the best way to build a mutual understanding about substance use and family expectations.

For more resources:
FindHelp
National Institute on Drug Abuse