Substance Abuse Prevention
Red Ribbon Week has historically been a big PTA event at schools. With programs such as “Say No To Drugs” Campaigns or themed days like "Crazy Hair Day", countless hours of hard work and effort have been dedicated. Unfortunately, research has found that these campaigns are not as effective as intended. Research shows that repeated messaging throughout the year will have more of an impact on our students. Local PTAs can help families by providing resources to educate parents and then encourage them to talk to their children about the harms of alcohol, drugs, and nicotine on their developing brains and bodies. Research shows that during informational parent nights, the best practice is to have experts trained in prevention efforts. Contact your local or county health department to inquire about resources they may have to assist you with having an effective campaign.
Resources:
Parents Empowered (Alcohol Related)
The Tobacco Talk (Vaping)
American Heart Association Vaping Campaign
How To Talk to Your Kids About Vaping
DEA Red Ribbon Toolkit (Drug Enforcement Administration)
2019 Utah PTA Advocacy Conference Presentation - E-Cigarettes & Youth
Ideas:
- Help with DARE or NOVA Programs
- Red Ribbon Weeks
- Establish Monthly Events/Days focused on Prevention
- Sponsor Parent Nights, informing dangers of vaping, alcohol, and substance abuse (please ask trained and educated presenters for these parent nights)
- Appoint a specialist to work in this area. Work with the district drug education coordinator and other health and community groups to address this issue.
- Check with teachers/principals to see how the USOE core curriculum objectives are being taught, and assist where necessary to arrange classroom presentations.
- Educate parents about the symptoms of drug use and the effects on the developing brain and teach them skills to communicate more effectively with their children.