In order to help youth make healthy decisions, we involve youth in every aspect of our programs. Our Youth Advisory Board is comprised of teens from different organizations, including the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, the New Mexico Association of Student Councils, and the New Mexico Youth Alliance. These teen from across New Mexico ensure a youth perspective is driving the SafeTeen agenda.
The Safeteen organization focuses efforts primarily in two areas. We create high school assemblies that are customized to each individual school, and the decisions for a school’s program are made in conjunction with youth from that school.
Our social marketing campaigns are created through a series of think tank meetings with experts and youth, and then a TV documentary is produced to highlight the issue.
Youth issues that Safeteen has addressed in past documentaries are also the topics aviailable for school assembly programs. Please view the list below, and click on any link of interest, and it will take you to a trailer of the documentary as well as a list of downloadable content that was created in support of each social marketing campaign.
Jump To:
- Vape: A Documentary And Education/Prevention Campaign
- Opioids, Alcohol and Athletes
- Mental Health: Youth, Families, Communities
- BIG Healthy Life: Helping to Understand the Lifelong Effects of Nutrition and Exercise Habits
- New Marijuana: Helping to Understand the New Trends in Marijuana and Its Effects on Youth
- Hikers, Bikers & Automobiles: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
- Pregnant: Teen Pregnancy Prevention
- Everyone’s Business: Protecting Our Children
- Net-iquette | Internet Dangers
- Driven to Distraction
- Bystanders Ending Bullying
- No Exceptions, Pain Killer Addiction
- Smashed: Youth Brains and Alcohol
- One Friday Night | Underage Drinking
- Crash | Distracted Driving
- High | The Dangers of Drugs
- Not In My Family | Mental Health Stigma
- Party 101: Consequences | Dangers of Parties
- The Relationship Factor
- Coming Back | Youth Suicide
- Risk | Why & How Teens are Impulsive
- Looking In | Homeless Students in Our Schools
These projects revolve around a major television broadcast including a documentary produced with Christopher Productions. Additionally, they may include special videos for youth, parents and educators as well as viewing guides. The topics are selected and developed in cooperation with our youth advisors through the New Mexico Youth Alliance.
If you are interested in helping others and would like to serve on our advisory board, please contact us.
To learn about our various projects, please scroll down this page or simply click on the topics above to go directly to that program.
To view a video clip from the program or any other resource, please click on the link you are interested in under each documentary topic.
In Albuquerque, to view some of these documentaries FREE, go to Comcast On Demand (Channel 1) and click “Get Local”, then click “SafeTeen”.
Vape: A Documentary And Education/Prevention Campaign
Resources: 
Trailer | Website | Script | Viewer Guide | Facebook
“VAPE” is centered around a documentary program regarding the use of E-cigarettes especially in the youth community so parents, educators and juveniles understand the spectrum of health issues and dangers associated with these products. Because the number of youth users is rising dramatically, the program helps explain the product and its various uses including for nicotine and cannabis consumption. Communities, parents, and, most importantly, teen peers will learn the current facts around this kind of ingestion.
Learn more, click here to view flyer.
Opioids, Alcohol and Athletes
A safety and education campaign to understand the dangers of painkillers and alcohol for student athletes.
New Mexico use of opioids has become almost epidemic. According to the most recent Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (2015), over one in ten (14.3%) kids grade 9-12 use prescription drugs without a prescription. The face of opioid addiction is changing to a younger and younger demographic and the danger of injury and painkiller use for New Mexico student athletes is especially concerning.
In conjunction with the Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health and the New Mexico Activities Association, Christopher Productions, LLC created seven short videos for use with presentations to student athletes and through on line venues to reach the student athletes as well as their parents and coaches.
YouTube Links:
- Athletes 8 min
- Coaches 9 min
- High School Parents 15 min
- Athlete Stories 6 min
- Opioids and Addiction 5 min
- Athletes and Alcohol 4 min
- Mid School Parents 7 min
Mental Health: Youth, Families, Communities
Resources: Viewer Guide | Facebook
Awards:
Rocky Mountain Emmy Award, NATAS
“One of the hardest things about dealing with mental illness is, that we don’t acknowledge it. So, we make people hide from what is a big part of their lives. We don’t acknowledge what a challenge it is to have those issues. Then, we need to accept those. That, these are part of life. They’re no different from other illnesses. They’re just things that happen to you. They are not things that happen to you because you’re a bad person, and you’re not taking care of yourself.” – Susan Page, Lawyer
BIG Healthy Life: Helping to Understand the Lifelong Effects of Nutrition and Exercise Habits
Resources: Trailer | Script | Viewer Guide | Facebook
“If we continue on this trend, kids of today will not outlive their parents” – Sylvia Negrete, MD
“Big Healthy Life” is a documentary to help youth and parents understand the lifelong effects of nutrition and exercise habits on New Mexico’s youth and how they relate to becoming overweight or obese. In addition to highlighting how healthy eating and daily exercise can increase lifetime health and decrease spending on health issues in later life, the program examines the various ways that small changes in shopping and daily activity by parents and youth can turn in to very BIG results. The program is underwritten by: Presbyterian Healthcare Services in association with CHI St. Joseph’s Children, The City of Albuquerque / Department of Family & Community Services, New Mexico Department of Health/Family Health Bureau, Bernalillo County/Department of Addiction Treatment Services, Cooperative Educational Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, New Mexico School Boards Association, New Mexico Pediatric Society and SafeTeen New Mexico.
New Marijuana:Helping to Understand the New Trends in Marijuana and Its Effects on Youth
With the recent changes in marijuana usage and legality (medical & recreational), the perception of marijuana has changed dramatically in the past decade. This project includes information about the new reality of the drug (THC and CBD levels and uses), its effect on our bodies and most importantly, the effect it has on developing adolescent brains. The documentary also explores how marijuana can effect memory in learning situations and driving performance in an automobile.
Hikers, Bikers & Automobiles: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Resources: Trailer | Script | Guide | Statistics | Website
When bicyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians are involved in a crash with automobiles, the damage to humans is significant and many times, fatal. Unfortunately, many people tend to be unfamiliar with the rules of sharing the roadways. When alcohol is in the mix, traveling in any mode is extremely dangerous. This campaign utilizes a variety of media and video tools to reach cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and especially motorists to emphasize how to safely share our roadways.
Pregnant: Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Awards:
Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
From a 1953 Sex Education film to “selfie” movies created by teens about “the talk”, this program helps teens, their parents and community leaders prevent teen pregnancy. Along with specific solutions, the program will create a lighthearted environment to talk about one of the most awkward subjects in the life of a teenager. Included are short videos about Long Acting Reversible Contraception, how expensive babies can be and a powerful poem by two award winning poets about sex and babies.
Everyone’s Business: Protecting Our Children
Resources: Bonus Videos | Flyer
Awards:
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
Everybody’s Business:Protecting our Children
New Mexico ranks 6th in the nation for deaths due to child abuse. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
Over 10% of maltreated children are less than one year old. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
$210,012: the cost of one victim of child abuse and neglect due to the adverse health, social, and economic consequences of maltreatment. (Fang X, Brown DS, Florence CS, Mercy JA, “The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States and implications for prevention,” Child Abuse & Neglect. 2012; In Press.)
The cost of child maltreatment and neglect is enormous to both our government and society. Thousands of children grow through adulthood with the effects of trauma touching every aspect of their lives and often repeat the cycle with their own children. This campaign focuses on FIVE SOLUTIONS that will save millions of dollars and thousands of young lives in New Mexico. It includes a half hour documentary, designated website, 14 bonus videos and three pull out videos specific to topics.
Net-iquette
Resources: Video | Script | Order DVD | Movie Poster | Invitation
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
NET-IQUETTE
Nine in ten (93%) teens in the US have a computer or have access to one at home.
“Net-iquette” is a comprehensive media campaign to help youth, parents and educators understand the potential dangers associated with use of the internet from stalking and cyber-bullying to sext-ing and future employment issues. This program gives them specific tools and suggestions to make the best use of the internet and stay safe.
Because our youth have grown up in a cyber world that is seamlessly integrated with our daily lives, many parents and other adult leaders are not completely familiar with all the various internet apps, tools and sites that allow people to connect in good and bad ways. Many times, children are more comfortable in that world than the adults who are supposed to look out for them. While we teach our youth the etiquette of various social interactions: restaurant behavior, respect for teachers, adults and each other, sporting event behavior, etc; many adults don’t understand enough to give them guidelines for the cyber on-line world. This is a program that will help.
Driven To Distraction
Resources: Video | Script | Viewer Guide | Order | Invitation | Facebook
Driven to Distraction
-Drivers using cell phones are 5 times more likely to crash than non-distracted drivers.
-People are as impaired as being drunk when they drive and talk on a cell phone.
-Texting is the number one killer of teenagers in the US.
“DRIVEN” is a comprehensive media campaign to help youth and parents understand the dangers associated with distracted driving, particularly cell phone use, and give them specific tools and suggestions to lessen the chance of a crash.
The project involved teens extensively in the production process and the social marketing aspects of the campaign so they could learn for themselves the various issues and reasons for distracted driving and become champions for the cause with their peers. The program highlights the most recent brain research involving cell phone use, DWI, and other causes of crashes and focus on the extremely high numbers for distracted driving crashes especially for young people.
While the project revolved around the documentary, the real reach and effectiveness of the campaign was through the involvement of youth in the creation of the project and dissemination of the program to schools and by print and television news stories carried as a result of the documentary.
Bystanders Ending Bullying
Resources: Video | Viewer Guide | Script | Press Release| Order | Facebook
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
Bystanders: Ending Bullying
OVER 3 in 10 middle school students (31.2%) and almost 2 in 10 high school students (18.7%) say they have been bullied on school property.
New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey 2011
Bystanders ending bullyingThe word bullying has become a watchword nationally for hurtful behavior that has led to horrific consequences including suicide. It can be motivated by actual or perceived characteristics such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or identity, or any kind of disability. As the media continues to lead with stories related to the issue and school districts across the state and around the country hear outcries from parents, the definition and ways to deal with the issue are becoming more and more important. This program defines bullying and discusses why and how young people become targets and aggressors. We also learn how the power really lies with the BYSTANDERS, the 85% of students who are seeing this happen and what they can do to help end bullying.
No Exceptions, Pain Killer Addiction
Resources: Video | Order | Script | Viewer Guide | Website | Facebook
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
NO EXCEPTIONS, Pain Killer Addiction
“NO EXCEPTIONS” is a comprehensive campaign to help PARENTS, EDUCATORS and MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS throughout New Mexico understand the dangers of opioid (pain killer) abuse, how it can lead to heroin use and how to help stop it’s use before it starts. The program includes a half hour documentary and live follow up solutions show along with 5 pull out mini-docs for targeted audiences.
Additionally, CP developed several other videos specifically targeted to youth and parents. A “Youth to Youth” video highlights a dozen youth in a conversation about opioid addiction with kids in recovery and siblings/friends of youth who are struggling or who have lost their lives to addiction. A “Parent to Parent” video is a group conversation of parents whose children are struggling or who have succumbed to addiction, discussing the signs of addiction and difficulties of getting help.
Smashed: Youth, Brains and Alcohol
Resources: Video Clip | Order | Viewer Guide | Script
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
Smashed: Youth, Brains and Alcohol
New Mexico is highest in the nation in use of alcohol before age 13.
This documentary examines recent brain research that indicates binge drinking during adolescence can have lifelong negative effects. Through the program we hear from brain research experts, counselors and youth who discuss the reasons for concern and ways we can all help. The program highlights how the brain is affected by alcohol assault, the effect of alcohol on athletic performance and how advertising influences not only decisions about alcohol consumption but its influence on how we think alcohol affects our behavior.
One Friday Night
Resources: Video Clip | Order | Curriculum | Script | Guide
Projects Outreach Summary
www.niaaa.nih.gov/ | www.lifeskillstraining.com
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Directing NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Governors Award NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Interview/Discussion Program NATAS
One Friday Night
For the first time in broadcast history, all the television stations in New Mexico carried this documentary on underage drinking, most on the same night and time period. One Friday Night was created in coordination with over 150 teenagers and over a dozen teen video crews throughout the state. As a follow up to the documentary, three PBS Affiliates in New Mexico carried a one hour live town hall meeting.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average age at which young people begin to drink is 13. Nearly 25 percent of teens ages 15-17 say that their alcohol and drug use led them to do more, sexually, than they had planned.
Christopher Productions, in conjunction with regional advocate groups and media partners, responded to this ever-growing societal problem with this groundbreaking program. The documentary focuses on the real life events surrounding a 13 year old girl’s death by alcohol poisoning at a slumber party. Interspersed are the real life answers that teens gave when asked anonymously what they did on their Friday night. It also reviews national and local statistics related to underage drinking.
In addition, we provide tools to help address underage drinking in communities, neighborhoods and families that include a curriculum guide and a “Empower Packet” guide for community organizing through town hall meetings.
Crash
Resources: Video | Order | Viewer Guide | Town Hall Guide
Script | News Release | Graduated Driver License Info and Other Resources | CRASH Web Site
Distracted Driving: CRASH
Crash rates are the highest for teens during the first 6 months and 1,000 miles after licensure.
“CRASH” is a comprehensive media campaign to help youth and parents throughout New Mexico understand the dangers associated with distracted driving and give them specific tools and suggestions for lessening the chance of a crash.
The project includes a broadcast documentary, live follow up TV program, a viewer guide and a town hall meeting guide for youth. This will be an opportunity for youth and their parents to come together and help make each other safer drivers.
The hook to the campaign is hearing and seeing real stories from people who have been involved in a crash. We will also show the reasons why distracted driving (intoxication, cell phone use, eating, additional passengers) causes crashes. The program will also highlight the most recent research involving cell phone use, DWI, and other causes of crashes and focusing on the extremely high numbers for distracted driving crashes especially for young people.
The campaign also includes basic information about the Graduated Drivers License and it’s effectiveness in reducing teen crashes as well as highlighting the various reasons that young drivers are so at risk of having a crash.
High
Resources: Video | Order | Script | Discussion Guide
LetsTalkNM.org | Safety1st.org
Awards:
- Bronze World Medal, New York Festivals
High
New Mexico has one of the highest drug related death rates in the nation. Over 30% of New Mexico students have been offered drugs at school. This project includes a 30 minute documentary, a 20 minute version as well as a viewer guide for classrooms and organizations to explore the reasons, dangers and answers to drug problems.
The viewer will learn about the extent and effect of drugs on our kids as highlighted by statistics and true stories. It is an opportunity for youth and their parents to come together and discuss solutions to this issue.
Experts include a medical doctor who performs an autopsy and speaks very clinically about what happens to specific organs of the body when drugs are introduced. This autopsy, while real, is filmed so as not to shock the audience or show things that will make people uncomfortable. The doctor discusses why prescription drugs are particularly dangerous, when used illegally and not for the person whom the drug is prescribed. He also explains why some drugs make the person feel “good” but what actually happens inside the body and its ultimate bad effect.
Also included are interviews with school counselors, parents, and youth about what is happening with drugs and kids. We hear from youth who have had experiences with drugs and from police experts about how to identify what drug a person is on so parents can recognize if their child is high. Additionally, a brain research expert and a youth psychologist talk about the developing young brain and how drug use during adolescents can affect the brain permanently.
Not In My Family | Mental Health Stigma
Resources: Video | Order | Curriculum | Script | Release
Projects Outreach Summary
www.unm.edu/~agora/ | www.HealthyMindsNM.org
Not In My Family Web Site
Awards:
- Bronze World Medal, New York Film Festival
- Finalist, National “Voice” Awards National Institute of Mental Health
- Nominee, Documentary Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards
Not In My Family | Mental Health Stigma
This project utilized a documentary that included interactive electronic technology to reach a teenage audience. The program included cell phone interviews captured by teens, live web cams, interactive text and email surveys and a live studio audience.
This documentary is the centerpiece of an anti-stigma project about mental health issues. It revolves around the stories of four young people who are at various stages of their own mental illness. In order to involve young people and their communities in the production and therefore start discussion at the grassroots level, the documentary includes comments that teenagers have filmed on their cell phones talking about the issue as well as a full classroom discussion. Following the documentary, a live program used text messaging, web cams and a small group of experts to examine next steps in addressing this critical issue that affects one in five young people in New Mexico.
Partners on the project included schools across the state who participated in the production through creation of news stories, through the use of cell phone text messaging and video taping interviews with their peers. A website was also created for feedback during the program as well as a link to local mental health services. Please visit www.SafeTeenNM.org/nimf.
As a result over 1 million people in New Mexico were reached by the project through the broadcast of this program, involvement in the creation, newspaper articles, web site interaction and television news stories. This documentary has been distributed to each school district in the state.
Party 101: Consequences | Dangers of Parties
Resources: Video | Order | Discussion Guide NM
Projects Outreach Summary
www.lifeskillstraining.com | www.niaaa.nih.gov/
Party 101 Web Site
Party 101: Consequences | Dangers of Parties
Utilizing teen produced video and police ride-alongs, this program shows the dangers of youth parties including violence, alcohol poisoning, date rape and driving while intoxicated.
“Party 101” is a comprehensive media campaign to help communities deal with youth parties that include substance and alcohol abuse. This campaign utilizes a variety of media and video tools to reach educators, parents and, most importantly, teens to emphasize the message: make healthy choices about drugs and alcohol and if you don’t, there are consequences.
The project involved teens in the production process and centered on the creation of a one hour television special. It also includes two special “break out” videos specifically designed for school officials and parents and a series of radio and television informational promos about the issue.
According to several youth focus groups, the overwhelming interest was to see what actually happens and hear from kids in bad party situations. This determined the particular approach for the project.
Parents will receive a wake up call about what really goes on at these parties and how, even if their children are not drinking at the party, they are in real danger just by being there because of behavior from those youth that are drinking.
School officials, community leaders and law enforcement will have an opportunity to explore various solutions to the problem, witness how the Party Patrol works, and discuss their particular issues in the community conversation portion of the program.
The Relationship Factor
Resources: Order | Curriculum
www.nmsafedate.info | www.nmcadv.org
The Relationship Factor is a brief video designed to encourage discussion by young people about what a healthy relationship should be like. It includes some group discussion on camera and, if used in conjunction with the viewer/curriclum guide, can lead to good discussion about dating and other kinds of relationships.
Domestic abuse knows no socio-economic, ethnic, or age boundaries. Approximately one in five female high school students is physically or sexually abused by a dating partner, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Of young children who come from a home in which abuse has occurred, 50% will repeat that abuse when they become adults. Of men who abuse their partners, 80% grew up in abusive homes.
This project worked on several levels: educating the public in order to create more effective legislation for abuse victims; educating those who are in abusive relationships so they have alternatives and direction to move forward out of the situation; educating teenagers, their parents and school officials about date abuse in order to help break the cycle; and educating the communities most likely to encounter abuse victims so they will be prepared to help.
Coming Back | Youth Suicide
Resources: Video | Order | Curriculum | Script | Release
Projects Outreach Summary
www.stopasuicide.org | www.yellowribbon.org
www.unm.edu/~agora/ | www.HealthyMindsNM.org
Awards:
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Award Documentary NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Award Writing NATAS
Coming Back | Youth Suicide
This 30 minute documentary was accompanied by a live 30 minute discussion program and highlighted the journey of 5 young people who were coming back from suicide attempts. The project also included break out videos for parents and educators along with a curriculum guide for classroom discussion.
Discussion of suicide and depression is not easy or simple. But the warning signs of suicide can be recognized, understood and addressed by loved ones. A think tank of experts gave us research, guidance and insight into the specific approach for communication and outreach that can be used most effectively based on current programs and opportunities.
The project focused on suicide prevention and empowering family and peer friends throughout the community with tools to help. These tools included specific information and warning signs so that those most likely to have contact with potential victims of suicide (teen peers) will know when to take action to help and ways to help. The primary voice in the program is that of young people, those who have attempted suicide and those who have been affected by it.
Risk
Resources: Video Clip | Order | Script | Discussion Guide
“RISK” is a half hour television program designed to help people understand the relationship between adolescent brain development and impulsive decision making. We hope this will rally community and educator support to find ways to help young people make healthy decisions.
A years worth of research went into the information in the program including “think tanks” with experts in all areas related to brain development, adolescent risk behaviors and ways to engage youth in productive activities.
This show is meant to be a catalyst for discussion, which means that there are no right or wrong answers. The purpose is to encourage as much discussion as possible. Young people should be encouraged to actively participate in exchanging ideas and researching related topics of interest.
Portions of the show may not be appropriate for some young people to watch. Please read the script and watch the program prior to sharing it with students. This will make discussion with your students easier and more effective.
Looking In: Kids Who Are Homeless
Resources:
Video | Order | Script | Viewer Guide
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
- Outstanding Media Presentation, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children
Looking In | Kids Who are Homeless
In New Mexico between 2006 and 2009 there was a 91% increase in students who were homeless. This documentary, broadcast throughout the state in the fall of 2010, examined the realities of homelessness through the eyes of four different young
people who have lived through it. It also explored the various solutions to the homelessness issue, with particular emphasis on education. The documentary was followed by a half hour live broadcast community conversation about ways to support homeless organizations and to create community changes to end child homelessness.
HOW TO ORDER DVD’S OF THE PROGRAMS
MAIL ORDERS:
Please download the order form by clicking HERE. We are pleased to make these programs available to you at a very minimal cost.
INTERNET ORDERS:
Please e-mail us the name and number of DVD’s you would like along with the following:
Name | Organization | Full address | E-mail | Phone number
To pay for your order, please use the “paypal” button below to contribute $10 per DVD along with a $3 handling charge (one $3 charge per order no matter how many DVD’s ordered). After we receive your contribution, we will mail the DVD to the address you have given us.
We would also be happy to accept donations to our 501 c-3 charitable organization via check or Paypal button.
To request more information, contact [email protected].
FOR COMPLIMENTARY COPIES:
For organizations who are unable to pay for the videos, please e-mail us your request with the above information for “Internet Orders” and we will be glad to supply you with a complimentary DVD.
In order to help youth make healthy decisions, we involve youth in every aspect of our programs. Our Youth Advisory Board is comprised of teens from different organizations, including the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, the New Mexico Association of Student Councils, and the New Mexico Youth Alliance. These teen from across New Mexico ensure a youth perspective is driving the SafeTeen agenda.
The Safeteen organization focuses efforts primarily in two areas. We create high school assemblies that are customized to each individual school, and the decisions for a school’s program are made in conjunction with youth from that school.
Our social marketing campaigns are created through a series of think tank meetings with experts and youth, and then a TV documentary is produced to highlight the issue.
Youth issues that Safeteen has addressed in past documentaries are also the topics aviailable for school assembly programs. Please view the list below, and click on any link of interest, and it will take you to a trailer of the documentary as well as a list of downloadable content that was created in support of each social marketing campaign.
Jump To:
- Vape: A Documentary And Education/Prevention Campaign
- Opioids, Alcohol and Athletes
- Mental Health: Youth, Families, Communities
- BIG Healthy Life: Helping to Understand the Lifelong Effects of Nutrition and Exercise Habits
- New Marijuana: Helping to Understand the New Trends in Marijuana and Its Effects on Youth
- Hikers, Bikers & Automobiles: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
- Pregnant: Teen Pregnancy Prevention
- Everyone’s Business: Protecting Our Children
- Net-iquette | Internet Dangers
- Driven to Distraction
- Bystanders Ending Bullying
- No Exceptions, Pain Killer Addiction
- Smashed: Youth Brains and Alcohol
- One Friday Night | Underage Drinking
- Crash | Distracted Driving
- High | The Dangers of Drugs
- Not In My Family | Mental Health Stigma
- Party 101: Consequences | Dangers of Parties
- The Relationship Factor
- Coming Back | Youth Suicide
- Risk | Why & How Teens are Impulsive
- Looking In | Homeless Students in Our Schools
These projects revolve around a major television broadcast including a documentary produced with Christopher Productions. Additionally, they may include special videos for youth, parents and educators as well as viewing guides. The topics are selected and developed in cooperation with our youth advisors through the New Mexico Youth Alliance.
If you are interested in helping others and would like to serve on our advisory board, please contact us.
To learn about our various projects, please scroll down this page or simply click on the topics above to go directly to that program.
To view a video clip from the program or any other resource, please click on the link you are interested in under each documentary topic.
In Albuquerque, to view some of these documentaries FREE, go to Comcast On Demand (Channel 1) and click “Get Local”, then click “SafeTeen”.
Vape: A Documentary And Education/Prevention Campaign
Resources: Trailer | Website | Script | Viewer Guide | Facebook
“VAPE” is centered around a documentary program regarding the use of E-cigarettes especially in the youth community so parents, educators and juveniles understand the spectrum of health issues and dangers associated with these products. Because the number of youth users is rising dramatically, the program helps explain the product and its various uses including for nicotine and cannabis consumption. Communities, parents, and, most importantly, teen peers will learn the current facts around this kind of ingestion.
Learn more, click here to view flyer.
Opioids, Alcohol and Athletes
A safety and education campaign to understand the dangers of painkillers and alcohol for student athletes.
New Mexico use of opioids has become almost epidemic. According to the most recent Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (2015), over one in ten (14.3%) kids grade 9-12 use prescription drugs without a prescription. The face of opioid addiction is changing to a younger and younger demographic and the danger of injury and painkiller use for New Mexico student athletes is especially concerning.
In conjunction with the Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health and the New Mexico Activities Association, Christopher Productions, LLC created seven short videos for use with presentations to student athletes and through on line venues to reach the student athletes as well as their parents and coaches.
YouTube Links:
- Athletes 8 min
- Coaches 9 min
- High School Parents 15 min
- Athlete Stories 6 min
- Opioids and Addiction 5 min
- Athletes and Alcohol 4 min
- Mid School Parents 7 min
Mental Health: Youth, Families, Communities
Resources: Trailer | Website | Script | Viewer Guide | Facebook
Awards:
Rocky Mountain Emmy Award, NATAS
“One of the hardest things about dealing with mental illness is, that we don’t acknowledge it. So, we make people hide from what is a big part of their lives. We don’t acknowledge what a challenge it is to have those issues. Then, we need to accept those. That, these are part of life. They’re no different from other illnesses. They’re just things that happen to you. They are not things that happen to you because you’re a bad person, and you’re not taking care of yourself.” – Susan Page, Lawyer
BIG Healthy Life: Helping to Understand the Lifelong Effects of Nutrition and Exercise Habits
Resources: Trailer | Script | Viewer Guide | Facebook
“If we continue on this trend, kids of today will not outlive their parents” – Sylvia Negrete, MD
“Big Healthy Life” is a documentary to help youth and parents understand the lifelong effects of nutrition and exercise habits on New Mexico’s youth and how they relate to becoming overweight or obese. In addition to highlighting how healthy eating and daily exercise can increase lifetime health and decrease spending on health issues in later life, the program examines the various ways that small changes in shopping and daily activity by parents and youth can turn in to very BIG results. The program is underwritten by: Presbyterian Healthcare Services in association with CHI St. Joseph’s Children, The City of Albuquerque / Department of Family & Community Services, New Mexico Department of Health/Family Health Bureau, Bernalillo County/Department of Addiction Treatment Services, Cooperative Educational Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, New Mexico School Boards Association, New Mexico Pediatric Society and SafeTeen New Mexico.
New Marijuana:Helping to Understand the New Trends in Marijuana and Its Effects on Youth
With the recent changes in marijuana usage and legality (medical & recreational), the perception of marijuana has changed dramatically in the past decade. This project includes information about the new reality of the drug (THC and CBD levels and uses), its effect on our bodies and most importantly, the effect it has on developing adolescent brains. The documentary also explores how marijuana can effect memory in learning situations and driving performance in an automobile.
Hikers, Bikers & Automobiles: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Resources: Trailer | Script | Guide | Statistics | Website
When bicyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians are involved in a crash with automobiles, the damage to humans is significant and many times, fatal. Unfortunately, many people tend to be unfamiliar with the rules of sharing the roadways. When alcohol is in the mix, traveling in any mode is extremely dangerous. This campaign utilizes a variety of media and video tools to reach cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and especially motorists to emphasize how to safely share our roadways.
Pregnant: Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Awards:
Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
From a 1953 Sex Education film to “selfie” movies created by teens about “the talk”, this program helps teens, their parents and community leaders prevent teen pregnancy. Along with specific solutions, the program will create a lighthearted environment to talk about one of the most awkward subjects in the life of a teenager. Included are short videos about Long Acting Reversible Contraception, how expensive babies can be and a powerful poem by two award winning poets about sex and babies.
Everyone’s Business: Protecting Our Children
Resources: Trailer | Website | Script | Bonus Videos | Flyer
Awards:
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
Everybody’s Business:Protecting our Children
New Mexico ranks 6th in the nation for deaths due to child abuse. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
Over 10% of maltreated children are less than one year old. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
$210,012: the cost of one victim of child abuse and neglect due to the adverse health, social, and economic consequences of maltreatment. (Fang X, Brown DS, Florence CS, Mercy JA, “The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States and implications for prevention,” Child Abuse & Neglect. 2012; In Press.)
The cost of child maltreatment and neglect is enormous to both our government and society. Thousands of children grow through adulthood with the effects of trauma touching every aspect of their lives and often repeat the cycle with their own children. This campaign focuses on FIVE SOLUTIONS that will save millions of dollars and thousands of young lives in New Mexico. It includes a half hour documentary, designated website, 14 bonus videos and three pull out videos specific to topics.
Net-iquette
Resources: Video | Script | Order DVD | Movie Poster | Invitation
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
NET-IQUETTE
Nine in ten (93%) teens in the US have a computer or have access to one at home.
“Net-iquette” is a comprehensive media campaign to help youth, parents and educators understand the potential dangers associated with use of the internet from stalking and cyber-bullying to sext-ing and future employment issues. This program gives them specific tools and suggestions to make the best use of the internet and stay safe.
Because our youth have grown up in a cyber world that is seamlessly integrated with our daily lives, many parents and other adult leaders are not completely familiar with all the various internet apps, tools and sites that allow people to connect in good and bad ways. Many times, children are more comfortable in that world than the adults who are supposed to look out for them. While we teach our youth the etiquette of various social interactions: restaurant behavior, respect for teachers, adults and each other, sporting event behavior, etc; many adults don’t understand enough to give them guidelines for the cyber on-line world. This is a program that will help.
Driven To Distraction
Resources: Video | Script | Viewer Guide | Order | Invitation | Website | Facebook
Driven to Distraction
-Drivers using cell phones are 5 times more likely to crash than non-distracted drivers.
-People are as impaired as being drunk when they drive and talk on a cell phone.
-Texting is the number one killer of teenagers in the US.
“DRIVEN” is a comprehensive media campaign to help youth and parents understand the dangers associated with distracted driving, particularly cell phone use, and give them specific tools and suggestions to lessen the chance of a crash.
The project involved teens extensively in the production process and the social marketing aspects of the campaign so they could learn for themselves the various issues and reasons for distracted driving and become champions for the cause with their peers. The program highlights the most recent brain research involving cell phone use, DWI, and other causes of crashes and focus on the extremely high numbers for distracted driving crashes especially for young people.
While the project revolved around the documentary, the real reach and effectiveness of the campaign was through the involvement of youth in the creation of the project and dissemination of the program to schools and by print and television news stories carried as a result of the documentary.
Bystanders Ending Bullying
Resources: Video | Viewer Guide | Script | Press Release| Order | Facebook
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
Bystanders: Ending Bullying
OVER 3 in 10 middle school students (31.2%) and almost 2 in 10 high school students (18.7%) say they have been bullied on school property.
New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey 2011
Bystanders ending bullyingThe word bullying has become a watchword nationally for hurtful behavior that has led to horrific consequences including suicide. It can be motivated by actual or perceived characteristics such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or identity, or any kind of disability. As the media continues to lead with stories related to the issue and school districts across the state and around the country hear outcries from parents, the definition and ways to deal with the issue are becoming more and more important. This program defines bullying and discusses why and how young people become targets and aggressors. We also learn how the power really lies with the BYSTANDERS, the 85% of students who are seeing this happen and what they can do to help end bullying.
No Exceptions, Pain Killer Addiction
Resources: Video | Order | Script | Viewer Guide | Website | Facebook
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
NO EXCEPTIONS, Pain Killer Addiction
“NO EXCEPTIONS” is a comprehensive campaign to help PARENTS, EDUCATORS and MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS throughout New Mexico understand the dangers of opioid (pain killer) abuse, how it can lead to heroin use and how to help stop it’s use before it starts. The program includes a half hour documentary and live follow up solutions show along with 5 pull out mini-docs for targeted audiences.
Additionally, CP developed several other videos specifically targeted to youth and parents. A “Youth to Youth” video highlights a dozen youth in a conversation about opioid addiction with kids in recovery and siblings/friends of youth who are struggling or who have lost their lives to addiction. A “Parent to Parent” video is a group conversation of parents whose children are struggling or who have succumbed to addiction, discussing the signs of addiction and difficulties of getting help.
Smashed: Youth, Brains and Alcohol
Resources: Video Clip | Order | Viewer Guide | Script | Website
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
Smashed: Youth, Brains and Alcohol
New Mexico is highest in the nation in use of alcohol before age 13.
This documentary examines recent brain research that indicates binge drinking during adolescence can have lifelong negative effects. Through the program we hear from brain research experts, counselors and youth who discuss the reasons for concern and ways we can all help. The program highlights how the brain is affected by alcohol assault, the effect of alcohol on athletic performance and how advertising influences not only decisions about alcohol consumption but its influence on how we think alcohol affects our behavior.
One Friday Night
Resources: Video Clip | Order | Curriculum | Script | Guide
Projects Outreach Summary
www.niaaa.nih.gov/ | www.lifeskillstraining.com
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Directing NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Governors Award NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Interview/Discussion Program NATAS
One Friday Night
For the first time in broadcast history, all the television stations in New Mexico carried this documentary on underage drinking, most on the same night and time period. One Friday Night was created in coordination with over 150 teenagers and over a dozen teen video crews throughout the state. As a follow up to the documentary, three PBS Affiliates in New Mexico carried a one hour live town hall meeting.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average age at which young people begin to drink is 13. Nearly 25 percent of teens ages 15-17 say that their alcohol and drug use led them to do more, sexually, than they had planned.
Christopher Productions, in conjunction with regional advocate groups and media partners, responded to this ever-growing societal problem with this groundbreaking program. The documentary focuses on the real life events surrounding a 13 year old girl’s death by alcohol poisoning at a slumber party. Interspersed are the real life answers that teens gave when asked anonymously what they did on their Friday night. It also reviews national and local statistics related to underage drinking.
In addition, we provide tools to help address underage drinking in communities, neighborhoods and families that include a curriculum guide and a “Empower Packet” guide for community organizing through town hall meetings.
Crash
Resources: Video | Order | Viewer Guide | Town Hall Guide
Script | News Release | Graduated Driver License Info and Other Resources | CRASH Web Site
Distracted Driving: CRASH
Crash rates are the highest for teens during the first 6 months and 1,000 miles after licensure.
“CRASH” is a comprehensive media campaign to help youth and parents throughout New Mexico understand the dangers associated with distracted driving and give them specific tools and suggestions for lessening the chance of a crash.
The project includes a broadcast documentary, live follow up TV program, a viewer guide and a town hall meeting guide for youth. This will be an opportunity for youth and their parents to come together and help make each other safer drivers.
The hook to the campaign is hearing and seeing real stories from people who have been involved in a crash. We will also show the reasons why distracted driving (intoxication, cell phone use, eating, additional passengers) causes crashes. The program will also highlight the most recent research involving cell phone use, DWI, and other causes of crashes and focusing on the extremely high numbers for distracted driving crashes especially for young people.
The campaign also includes basic information about the Graduated Drivers License and it’s effectiveness in reducing teen crashes as well as highlighting the various reasons that young drivers are so at risk of having a crash.
High
Resources: Video | Order | Script | Discussion Guide
LetsTalkNM.org | Website | Safety1st.org
Awards:
- Bronze World Medal, New York Festivals
High
New Mexico has one of the highest drug related death rates in the nation. Over 30% of New Mexico students have been offered drugs at school. This project includes a 30 minute documentary, a 20 minute version as well as a viewer guide for classrooms and organizations to explore the reasons, dangers and answers to drug problems.
The viewer will learn about the extent and effect of drugs on our kids as highlighted by statistics and true stories. It is an opportunity for youth and their parents to come together and discuss solutions to this issue.
Experts include a medical doctor who performs an autopsy and speaks very clinically about what happens to specific organs of the body when drugs are introduced. This autopsy, while real, is filmed so as not to shock the audience or show things that will make people uncomfortable. The doctor discusses why prescription drugs are particularly dangerous, when used illegally and not for the person whom the drug is prescribed. He also explains why some drugs make the person feel “good” but what actually happens inside the body and its ultimate bad effect.
Also included are interviews with school counselors, parents, and youth about what is happening with drugs and kids. We hear from youth who have had experiences with drugs and from police experts about how to identify what drug a person is on so parents can recognize if their child is high. Additionally, a brain research expert and a youth psychologist talk about the developing young brain and how drug use during adolescents can affect the brain permanently.
Not In My Family | Mental Health Stigma
Resources: Video | Order | Curriculum | Script | Release
Projects Outreach Summary
www.unm.edu/~agora/ | www.HealthyMindsNM.org
Not In My Family Web Site
Awards:
- Bronze World Medal, New York Film Festival
- Finalist, National “Voice” Awards National Institute of Mental Health
- Nominee, Documentary Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards
Not In My Family | Mental Health Stigma
This project utilized a documentary that included interactive electronic technology to reach a teenage audience. The program included cell phone interviews captured by teens, live web cams, interactive text and email surveys and a live studio audience.
This documentary is the centerpiece of an anti-stigma project about mental health issues. It revolves around the stories of four young people who are at various stages of their own mental illness. In order to involve young people and their communities in the production and therefore start discussion at the grassroots level, the documentary includes comments that teenagers have filmed on their cell phones talking about the issue as well as a full classroom discussion. Following the documentary, a live program used text messaging, web cams and a small group of experts to examine next steps in addressing this critical issue that affects one in five young people in New Mexico.
Partners on the project included schools across the state who participated in the production through creation of news stories, through the use of cell phone text messaging and video taping interviews with their peers. A website was also created for feedback during the program as well as a link to local mental health services. Please visit www.SafeTeenNM.org/nimf.
As a result over 1 million people in New Mexico were reached by the project through the broadcast of this program, involvement in the creation, newspaper articles, web site interaction and television news stories. This documentary has been distributed to each school district in the state.
Party 101: Consequences | Dangers of Parties
Resources: Video | Order | Discussion Guide NM
Projects Outreach Summary
www.lifeskillstraining.com | www.niaaa.nih.gov/
Party 101 Web Site
Party 101: Consequences | Dangers of Parties
Utilizing teen produced video and police ride-alongs, this program shows the dangers of youth parties including violence, alcohol poisoning, date rape and driving while intoxicated.
“Party 101” is a comprehensive media campaign to help communities deal with youth parties that include substance and alcohol abuse. This campaign utilizes a variety of media and video tools to reach educators, parents and, most importantly, teens to emphasize the message: make healthy choices about drugs and alcohol and if you don’t, there are consequences.
The project involved teens in the production process and centered on the creation of a one hour television special. It also includes two special “break out” videos specifically designed for school officials and parents and a series of radio and television informational promos about the issue.
According to several youth focus groups, the overwhelming interest was to see what actually happens and hear from kids in bad party situations. This determined the particular approach for the project.
Parents will receive a wake up call about what really goes on at these parties and how, even if their children are not drinking at the party, they are in real danger just by being there because of behavior from those youth that are drinking.
School officials, community leaders and law enforcement will have an opportunity to explore various solutions to the problem, witness how the Party Patrol works, and discuss their particular issues in the community conversation portion of the program.
The Relationship Factor
Resources: Order | Curriculum
www.nmsafedate.info | www.nmcadv.org
The Relationship Factor is a brief video designed to encourage discussion by young people about what a healthy relationship should be like. It includes some group discussion on camera and, if used in conjunction with the viewer/curriclum guide, can lead to good discussion about dating and other kinds of relationships.
Domestic abuse knows no socio-economic, ethnic, or age boundaries. Approximately one in five female high school students is physically or sexually abused by a dating partner, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Of young children who come from a home in which abuse has occurred, 50% will repeat that abuse when they become adults. Of men who abuse their partners, 80% grew up in abusive homes.
This project worked on several levels: educating the public in order to create more effective legislation for abuse victims; educating those who are in abusive relationships so they have alternatives and direction to move forward out of the situation; educating teenagers, their parents and school officials about date abuse in order to help break the cycle; and educating the communities most likely to encounter abuse victims so they will be prepared to help.
Coming Back | Youth Suicide
Resources: Video | Order | Curriculum | Script | Release
Projects Outreach Summary
www.stopasuicide.org | www.yellowribbon.org
www.unm.edu/~agora/ | www.HealthyMindsNM.org
Awards:
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Award Documentary NATAS
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Award Writing NATAS
Coming Back | Youth Suicide
This 30 minute documentary was accompanied by a live 30 minute discussion program and highlighted the journey of 5 young people who were coming back from suicide attempts. The project also included break out videos for parents and educators along with a curriculum guide for classroom discussion.
Discussion of suicide and depression is not easy or simple. But the warning signs of suicide can be recognized, understood and addressed by loved ones. A think tank of experts gave us research, guidance and insight into the specific approach for communication and outreach that can be used most effectively based on current programs and opportunities.
The project focused on suicide prevention and empowering family and peer friends throughout the community with tools to help. These tools included specific information and warning signs so that those most likely to have contact with potential victims of suicide (teen peers) will know when to take action to help and ways to help. The primary voice in the program is that of young people, those who have attempted suicide and those who have been affected by it.
Risk
Resources: Video Clip | Order | Script | Discussion Guide
“RISK” is a half hour television program designed to help people understand the relationship between adolescent brain development and impulsive decision making. We hope this will rally community and educator support to find ways to help young people make healthy decisions.
A years worth of research went into the information in the program including “think tanks” with experts in all areas related to brain development, adolescent risk behaviors and ways to engage youth in productive activities.
This show is meant to be a catalyst for discussion, which means that there are no right or wrong answers. The purpose is to encourage as much discussion as possible. Young people should be encouraged to actively participate in exchanging ideas and researching related topics of interest.
Portions of the show may not be appropriate for some young people to watch. Please read the script and watch the program prior to sharing it with students. This will make discussion with your students easier and more effective.
Looking In: Kids Who Are Homeless
Resources:
Video | Order | Script | Viewer Guide
Awards
- Rocky Mountain Emmy Documentary NATAS
- Outstanding Media Presentation, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children
Looking In | Kids Who are Homeless
In New Mexico between 2006 and 2009 there was a 91% increase in students who were homeless. This documentary, broadcast throughout the state in the fall of 2010, examined the realities of homelessness through the eyes of four different young
people who have lived through it. It also explored the various solutions to the homelessness issue, with particular emphasis on education. The documentary was followed by a half hour live broadcast community conversation about ways to support homeless organizations and to create community changes to end child homelessness.
HOW TO ORDER DVD’S OF THE PROGRAMS
MAIL ORDERS:
Please download the order form by clicking HERE. We are pleased to make these programs available to you at a very minimal cost.
INTERNET ORDERS:
Please e-mail us the name and number of DVD’s you would like along with the following:
Name | Organization | Full address | E-mail | Phone number
To pay for your order, please use the “paypal” button below to contribute $10 per DVD along with a $3 handling charge (one $3 charge per order no matter how many DVD’s ordered). After we receive your contribution, we will mail the DVD to the address you have given us.
We would also be happy to accept donations to our 501 c-3 charitable organization via check or Paypal button.
To request more information, contact [email protected].
FOR COMPLIMENTARY COPIES:
For organizations who are unable to pay for the videos, please e-mail us your request with the above information for “Internet Orders” and we will be glad to supply you with a complimentary DVD.