October 27th - October 31st

ALL GRADES

RED RIBBON WEEK: Life is a puzzel, Solve it Drug Free

Red Ribbon Week is aimed at educating individuals, especially youth, about the dangers associated with drug use and encouraging a drug-free lifestyle. The campaign also seeks to foster a spirit of unity among people against drug misuse. It’s a perfect time for parents, schools, and communities to come together, share resources, and pledge to stay drug-free.

Here at New Providence Elementary we focus on choosing a healthy lifestyle!

The Importance of Parent Involvement:

It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Children as young as nine years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way, and approximately 3,300 kids as young as 12 try marijuana each day. 

As a parent, your involvement can make a significant impact on your child's understanding and perception of drugs. Here are a few steps you can take:

You can start talking to your children about drugs from an early age, this sets you up for ongoing conversations with your young person as they move through to their teen years.

Always consider what is age-appropriate information for your child.

Explain what drugs are, their functions, and which drugs are harmful or illegal.

Stick to the facts. If you exaggerate the harms or dangers you will sound less knowledgeable.

It will take time for your child to really understand the risks of drug use.

Other people (particularly peers) will talk to your child about drugs, so it is important to learn what your child knows, encourage them to ask questions, and clear up any misconceptions.

Your child will form attitudes about drug use from what they see at home, among their friends and in the media.

Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing the challenges they face, especially concerning peer pressure and substance abuse.

Red Ribbon Week is a crucial initiative aimed at promoting healthy, drug-free living. By understanding its significance and actively participating, parents can play a crucial role in shaping a drug-free future for their children and their communities.

Tips for talking to children aged 4‒7 about drugs

When you use medicine in the house, talk about why you are using the medicine, how it can be used by only the person who is unwell, and how sticking to the correct dose is important (that is, we can't take too much).

Repeat simple information about the dangers of drugs, smoking and alcohol, but also about the benefits of nutritious food. In other words, take a two-pronged approach: some things are not good for our body, and some things are great for us.

When you know your child has heard an illegal drug mentioned in the media or in conversation, ask your child if they know what it is. Tell them that the drug is addictive and can have harmful effects on the body.

If your child sees someone smoking in a movie or on television, talk about smoking, nicotine addiction and the effects of smoking on your lungs and overall health.

If your child sees someone drinking heavily in a movie or on television, talk about alcohol, alcohol addiction and the effects of excessive drinking on your health.

Be specific about the effects of a drug, but keep it simple. You can talk about a person getting very angry, for example, rather than more extreme violence.

If your child asks for more information, give it to them.

Talk calmly and use terms that your child can understand.

Tips for talking to children aged 8‒12 about drugs

Begin by asking them what they think about drugs. If you ask in a casual, unjudging way, your child is more likely to be honest with you.

If your child is uncomfortable talking to you about drugs, or seems disinterested, let them know that you are ready to talk whenever they are. They will come to you with questions eventually.

Pay attention to their concerns and questions. Don't say that any ideas or questions are silly: be open to all questions, whether they are detailed or general.

If your child shows they have false information, gently give them the correct information. Explain that they may come across more wrong information, but they can check everything with you.

Be aware of drug-related news that your child may hear, such as drug use by people in the public eye. And check that your child understands what has happened, and the consequences of the drug use.