Many of us have been deeply impacted by the recent and heartbreaking loss of several young lives in our community, including two suspected fentanyl overdoses. 

While tragedies like these may seem distant from our youngest learners, their impact can be felt across families of all ages. Whether through conversations at home, exposure to media, or discussions among older siblings and friends, children may have questions, emotions, or concerns they don’t yet know how to express. 

Starting open, age-appropriate conversations early, even with children as young as age 6, can help prevent these tragedies and give kids the knowledge they need to make safe choices. 

To support families, BVUSD has compiled this resource page with additional tools and guidance.

How & When to Talk to Your Child About Fentanyl & Other Drugs

 (Ages 7-12)

With the increasing presence of fentanyl and other dangerous substances, parents have a critical role in educating their children about drug safety and awareness. Many fentanyl overdoses are accidental, with children and teens unknowingly ingesting the substance. Starting open, age-appropriate conversations early can help prevent these tragedies and give kids the knowledge they need to make safe choices.

✔ Start Early & Keep It Age-Appropriate (Ages 7-12)

• Children don’t need frightening details, but they do need basic safety rules—just like learning about crossing the street or stranger danger.
• Use simple, clear language:
  • “Medicine is only safe when given by a parent or doctor.”
  • “Some things look like candy but are actually dangerous.”
• As kids get older (9-12), shift the conversation to peer pressure, decision-making, and real-life dangers of drugs like fentanyl.

✔ Use Everyday Moments to Start Conversations

• Bring up drug safety casually during car rides, at the dinner table, or after seeing something in the news.
• Ask questions instead of lecturing:
  • “Have you heard about fentanyl?”
  • “What would you do if someone offered you a pill and you weren’t sure what it was?”

✔ Keep Conversations Open & Judgement-Free

• Start by listening—ask what they know and what they think.
• Create a space where they feel safe asking questions.
• Let them know they can always come to you if they feel unsure or pressured.

✔ Model Safe & Responsible Behavior

• Store medications securely and talk about why prescriptions are only safe when taken as directed.
• Show them how to make healthy choices so they feel confident in doing the same.

✔ Explain Why Fentanyl is So Dangerous

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid originally made for pain relief, but illegal versions are now found in fake pills and other drugs.
• Tiny amounts can be deadly—people often don’t know they’re taking it because it’s mixed into other substances.
• Many overdose victims never intended to take fentanyl and had no idea it was in what they ingested.

✔ Teach Safety Rules for Medicines & Unknown Substances

• Only take medicine from a parent, doctor, or trusted adult.
• Never eat candy or pills from a friend or stranger—even if they look safe.
• If unsure, always ask a trusted adult first.

✔ Prepare Kids for Peer Pressure & Online Risks

• Teach simple refusal skills:
  • “No thanks, I don’t take anything that’s not from my parents.”
  • “That looks weird—let’s ask an adult.”
• Talk about the dangers of online challenges or social media trends that encourage risky behavior.

✔ Recognizing Signs of a Fentanyl Overdose

• Extreme sleepiness, slurred speech, trouble staying awake
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Falling asleep and not waking up
• Teach them that if someone is unresponsive or breathing irregularly, they should call 911 immediately.

Per the CDPH website:

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. 

As part of a broader effort to protect students, all secondary schools are required to have naloxone (Narcan) on hand, and elementary schools have been encouraged to consider securing emergency supplies of this life-saving medication. While the need for naloxone administration remains highly unlikely on our campuses, BVUSD has proactively secured emergency naloxone and trained designated personnel in its safe and appropriate administration—ensuring we are prepared for any situation.

Families may also want to secure naloxone in case of emergency. 

Naloxone is available over the counter, and more information – including how to administer it is available below:

 CDPH Naloxone Webpage​   Naloxone Resources from RESIG