Prevention science has come a long way in the ability to reduce substance use. The Red Ribbon Week National Campaign is based on scientific, evidence based principles for substance use prevention

Effective prevention strategies for youth focus on activities that build social-emotional competencies, thus developing emotional intelligence in our students. Prevention that is targeted through these domains works to connect youth to prosocial activities and build age-appropriate skills that can be relied on when faced with negative pressures and risks around drugs and alcohol. 

Youth drug prevention has moved far beyond “Just Say No” and “This is Your Brain on Drugs” campaigns. Fear-based activities, one-time events, or assemblies seem like a good idea on the surface but can potentially cause unintended harm.  However, prevention science demonstrates that often these types of activities can be ineffective. 

Our district is moving beyond the activities referenced in the above paragraph, and are using a broader, prevention based, wrap around approach to support our students long term. On this site we aim to provide resources for teachers and parents to support drug free youth. Activities and ideas for use in the classroom can be found at the top of the page under "IUSD Resources".