“Parents’ Night Out”

“Parents’ Night Out” Toolkits

Many parents aren’t aware that they are the biggest influence on their children’s decisions about using alcohol and other drugs. And while it is important that parents talk with their kids about these issues early and often, it can be difficult for them to know where to start and what to say. A new program by SAMHSA’s “Talk.  They Hear You.”® campaign is here to provide parents in your community with the information, skills, and tools they need to feel comfortable talking with their kids about underage drinking and other drug use. 

The “Parents’ Night Out” materials are intended to be used for community implementation, either virtually or in person. Comprehensive toolkits are available for download and include all materials needed to implement either a 1-hour “Parents’ Night Out” session or a series of three 1-hour program sessions. Each interactive session should be led by a facilitator, and this person can be a teacher, administrator, classroom aide, student support staff member, trained parent or caregiver, or community group volunteer. 

 See below for more information about the “Parents’ Night Out” toolkits currently available for download. For any questions, additional requests, or download issues, please contact the “Talk.  They Hear You.” campaign team at TTHYParentsNightOut@seiservices.com. 

“Parents’ Night Out” One-Session Toolkit (VIRTUAL) 

Use this toolkit to plan, prepare, and host a 1-hour, virtual “Parents’ Night Out” session in your community. Included in this toolkit, you will find: 

• PowerPoint Presentation: Virtual version, including talking points for the facilitator
• Facilitator’s Guide: Virtual version with detailed guidance on how to plan and implement a session
• Technology Guide: How to use the Zoom platform for virtual implementation
• Social Media Posts: Sample social media posts and graphics to help promote the session
• Promotional One-Pagers: Two one-pagers—one single-sided and one double-sided—that provide an overview of “Parents’ Night Out”

“Parents’ Night Out” One-Session Toolkit (IN-PERSON)

Use this toolkit to plan, prepare, and host a 1-hour, in-person “Parents’ Night Out” session in your community. Included in this toolkit, you will find:

• PowerPoint Presentation: In-person version, including talking points for the facilitator
• Facilitator’s Guide: In-person version with detailed guidance on how to plan and implement a session
• Social Media Posts: Sample social media posts and graphics to help promote the session
• Promotional One-Pagers: Two one-pagers—one single-sided and one double-sided—that provide an overview of “Parents’ Night Out”

“Parents’ Night Out” Three-Session Toolkit (VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON) 

Use this toolkit to plan, prepare, and host a series of three 1-hour“Parents’ Night Out” sessions in your community, either virtually or in person. Included in this toolkit, you will find: 

• PowerPoint Presentations: Presentation slides for all three 1-hour sessions, including talking points for the facilitator
• Facilitator’s Guide: Detailed guidance on how to plan and implement all three 1-hour sessions
• Technology Guide: How to use the Zoom platform for virtual implementation
• Social Media Posts: Sample social media posts and graphics to help promote the sessions
• Promotional One-Pagers: Two one-pagers—one single-sided and one double-sided—that provide an overview of “Parents’ Night Out” 

Under the leadership of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, the “Talk.  They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce underage drinking and other substance use among youths under the age of 21 by helping parents and caregivers learn how to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk with their children about alcohol, drugs, and other substances. For more information about the campaign, visit www.talktheyhearyou.samhsa.gov or email us at underage.drinking@samhsa.gov. 

The external websites, resources, and content included in this email do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.