ELGIN, Neb. - As high schoolers across the country graduate, it’s also a good time of year to talk to children about drugs, vaping and alcohol, but how do you have that conversation?

A unique new video featuring Elgin teens tries to help parents with that question.

“I think it sends a message on an issue that a lot of teenagers face these days,” Elgin Senior Blake Henn said.

Henn agreed to participate in the video, which is a partnership among several organizations, including the school, law enforcement, and North Central District Health.

“The more I dive into hearing what they have to say, is they really want those conversations from their parents, whether it relates to drugs and alcohol or healthy relationships,” North Central District Health Department Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Kelli Dempster said.

But that conversation can feel uncomfortable. Dempster recommends turning up your hearing and turning down the judgement.

“I feel like the number one thing we can do as parents is just provide a safe place,” Dempster said. "Whether it’s our body language or our eyes, how we allow that safe place is really something that’s going to be in tune with your kids too."

The nation is currently facing its deadliest drug epidemic in history, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Officials said fentanyl laced into fake prescription drugs is one of the main culprits. Dempster emphasizes that it’s important to have that conversation, even if you think your child might not listen.

“I think if we hold onto that notion of, ‘That feels so much better now that we talked about it,' we can really create change in our communities and our families,” Dempster said.

Change that Henn agrees could start with a simple conversation

“I think parents really should sit down with their children,” Henn said.

You can check out the students’ full video here: