Blog Archive | Playbl

June 24, 2026

The Hidden Jolt: What Educators Need to Know About Caffeine Pouches

How late did you drink your last cup of coffee yesterday? Many of us survive on caffeine to power through but if you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 AM, you’ve experienced its biological math firsthand. Caffeine has an average half-life of 6 hours—meaning if you drink a cold brew at 3:00 PM... More >

May 27, 2026

When Students Struggle, Keep Them Close – Why School Connectedness Matters for Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to think about how school is one of the most protective places for a youth's mental health. School offers structure, trusted adults, routines, friendships, meals, support services, and a daily sense of belonging. More >

April 28, 2026

Youth Cannabis Use: What School and Community Leaders Need to Know in 2026

Cannabis use among youth is no longer a fringe concern. It is becoming increasingly normalized across schools and communities nationwide. As legalization expands and perceptions of risk decline, educators, health professionals, and community leaders are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. More >

March 24, 2026

The “Mute Button” Myth: Why Youth Self-Medicating with THC is a Hidden Crisis

Have you noticed a student or your own child reaching for a vape or an edible to "calm their nerves" or just "get through the day” ? It’s easy to dismiss this as a typical teenage phase or just a bit of peer pressure, but the science tells a different story. For many young people, this is a form of maladaptive coping. More >

February 25, 2026

Parent’s Conversation Guide: Talking About THC

This guide is designed to help you navigate a conversation with your child after watching the video together. The goal is to move from judgment to curiosity, using proven therapeutic techniques to keep the dialogue open and honest. More >

January 26, 2026

Do Phone Bans Actually Work?

A lot of schools are moving toward phone bans, and the data is starting to show impact. It’s not just about "behavior"—it’s about brain power. A 2025 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) analyzed districts in Florida after the state implemented a “bell-to-bell” ban in 2023. More >

December 17, 2025

Youth Vaping: What School and Community Leaders Need to Know

Youth vaping remains one of the most urgent—and often misunderstood—public health challenges facing schools and communities today. While awareness has grown, many educators, health leaders, and community organizations are still navigating how to respond effectively, often without consistent, actionable data to guide decisions. More >

November 19, 2025

Beyond the Buzz: What Happens When Someone “Greens Out” on THC

When too much THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is consumed too quickly, it can cause a person to feel acutely ill—a phenomenon commonly called "greening out." To understand this reaction, we need to look at how THC impacts three major systems: the brain, heart, and stomach. More >

October 22, 2025

Vaping: The Facts Your Teenager Isn’t Hearing (6 Questions You Need to Ask)

Before you start a conversation with your teen about vaping, it helps to understand what they’re facing—and how to approach it. This article shares the latest data, practical conversation tips, and real examples to help you talk so your teen will actually listen. More >

September 29, 2025

Beyond Suspension: Restorative Approaches to Address Student Vaping

School leaders across the country are facing a significant challenge: how to effectively address the widespread issue of student vaping without resorting to suspensions that can disrupt a student's education and may not address the root of the problem. A growing number of districts are recognizing that a purely punitive approach is often ineffective and can lead to negative academic and behavioral outcomes. More >