Good intentions are not good enough for selecting and implementing prevention strategies. This toolkit was designed by prevention specialists in collaboration with Utah PTA for EVERY school and EVERY child here in Utah. Many parents are not prevention professionals and turn to pinterest or google for ideas. Prevention Science In many schools, PTA’s plan the Red Ribbon Week Activities. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in prevention activities to keep our kids drug and substance-free. In response, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. Thank you for bringing Red Ribbon Week home to empower your kids to make the decision to remain substance-free.In 1985, DEA Agent Enrique Camarena was murdered. So, continue to model healthy ways to cope with stress, overcome obstacles, and treat others with dignity and respect. They are also watching and learning from your successes, attempts, and even your missteps. Your kids hear you, and they are listening, even when you think they aren’t. Parents, you are the #1 influence on your kids’ decisions to drink-or not to drink-alcohol. Take time to be silly, speak freely, and debate why chocolate chip ice cream is by far the most underrated flavor! Not every conversation is about alcohol or making healthy choices. That’s right! Not every conversation is serious. Chat about your favorite ice cream flavor.You can even use our 10 Ways to Say NO infographic (LINK) to help get the conversation started. Saying NO to underage drinking or other risky behaviors is so much easier after practicing! Talk with your kids about the various ways they can get out of a sticky situation. Create and practice refusal strategies.Underage drinking or substance use can put the brakes on short- and long-term goals, so encourage them to keep their eyes on the future! Take a look at what your kids are doing now and ask them where they want to be in 5, 10, or even 50 years! Let them come up with some roadblocks that might get in the way of them meeting their goals. Finish the conversation by asking your kids about positive peer pressure! What is something great or brave that someone else inspired them to do because of their actions? Sometimes focusing on the good news can help kids open up and about ALL the news. Being ready for it can make all the difference! Talk about self-confidence and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Making good decisions can be challenging, but peer pressure is part of life. Try simple lessons that are easy to comprehend such as “We follow the rules, and the rules say the legal drinking age is 21.” “We respect our brains and bodies, so we know it’s not safe for kids to drink alcohol underage.” Establishing values helps kids keep their priorities top-of-mind. Check out these five conversations to have with your kids to extend their Red Ribbon Week lessons at home. Since this is a topic that many kids will be discussing at school, we encourage you to find ways to keep these conversations going. Around the country, students are learning about the importance of staying substance-free and saying “NO” to risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week is dedicated to raising awareness for substance-use prevention programs and efforts in schools. October 23 marks the beginning of Red Ribbon Week (link to blog).
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