Wakefield Plans ‘In Plain Sight’ Program About Teen Health, Safety

WAKEFIELD, MA — Wakefield-area adults will have a chance to learn about warning signs and red flags for certain risky teen activities and mental health issues through a planned open house next week, officials announced on Thursday.

“In Plain Sight” will present a mock teenager’s bedroom with information on signs of eating disorders, substance use, self-harm and risky online behavior.

The event is free and open to the public, though the program is for adults only, as noted in the town of Wakefield’s announcement this week.

“In Plain Sight” will be in Wakefield at the Americal Civic Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6 with available sessions running as follows:

• 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
• 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
• 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

The program is run by the Wakefield Health and Human Services Department, the Wake-Up Coalition, the Wakefield Police Department and the Wakefield Public Schools.

School counselors, Health and Human Services Department staff and school resource officers will be on hand to discuss trends and tips to help talk to young people about risky behavior, mental health and other topics.

The program next week will additionally aim to provide information on current social media trends, with tips to monitor online behavior.

While the program is for adults only, adults may bring supervised young children with them.

Residents with questions can call the Health and Human Services Department at 339-219-4034.