Red Ribbon Week

Theme: Celebrate Life.

October 24 to October 28, 2022

Every day, Irvine Unified School District, the City of Irvine, the Irvine Police Department, parents, and students across the city make significant contributions to their community by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free. Together they will support the Red Ribbon Week theme of “Celebrate Life.” Our district-wide campaign will offer our school sites resources and strategies for our community to engage in practices that promote emotional intelligence, well-being, and substance prevention. Intentionally building these competencies will empower our students and staff to be the best they can be and celebrate life! Our efforts will focus on developing self-control, emotional awareness, communication, relationships, and social problem-solving. Resources shared are meant to be a helpful guide when planning Red Ribbon week activities.

Red Ribbon Week Approach to Prevention

Prevention science has come a long way in the ability to actually reduce substance use. We’ve learned the hard way about what works and what doesn’t.

So, what does work?

Effective prevention strategies for youth should 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.

What doesn't work?

Youth drug prevention has moved far beyond “Just Say No” and “This is Your Brain on Drugs” campaigns. Some activities may seem like a good idea on the surface but can potentially cause harm. Fear-based activities, one-time events, or assemblies may seem like good ideas to help educate young people on the harms of drug use and the dangers of addiction. However, prevention science shows us that often these types of activities can be ineffective.