Help
Kids Identify Their “Anti-Drug”
This fall, the
National Education Association Health Information Network is helping
to launch a groundbreaking nationwide drug-prevention initiative
in which young people tell the world what stands between them and
drugs. Youth will have a chance to answer a simple, provocative
question: “What’s Your Anti-Drug?” Though they may not have thought
about it quite this way before, all young people have an “Anti-Drug”-something
in their lives that is so important that they choose to do it instead
of drugs. From reading to swimming, family relationships to volunteering,
these Anti-Drugs make life worth living and keep kids and their
friends healthy, cool and drug free. Through this new initiative,
you can help youth shout their “Anti-Drug” to the world, and show
your commitment to reinforcing young peoples’ healthy choices and
positive attitudes.
To join this
effort, use the “What’s Your Anti-Drug” Partner Participation Pack
that contains seven activities designed to encourage youth to speak
out about alternatives to drugs. The activities can easily be incorporated
into the classroom, or an afterschool or community-based youth program.
To request your free copy, send an e-mail message to [email protected].
Or, you can encourage youth to go online to www.WhatsYourAntiDrug.com
and electronically submit their “Anti-Drug.” The results will receive
nationwide exposure and give kids a national forum to share ideas
with their peers and online submissions will be included on the
site in a virtual online quilt.
Research shows
that youth drug use rates are influenced more by young people’s
attitudes about drugs, and by prevailing social norms, than by the
availability of drugs. As a NEA member concerned about youth development,
you have the potential to influence youngsters and effect outcomes.
One of those outcomes can be keeping kids drug free. Help spread
the word about this initiative and encourage kids to think about
– and express – their Anti-Drugs.