Did you know that children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t; yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations with someone in their family, school or community which is why DeSoto Independent School District observes National Red Ribbon Week aiming to bridge the gap in communication about the dangers of drugs.
Across the country, October 23-31 is slated as National Red Ribbon Week, one of the country’s longest-running drug prevention programs in the nation. National Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by the National Family Partnership and is an effort to keep children, families and communities healthy, safe and drug-free.
Red Ribbon Week is designed to serve as an awareness campaign to inform the general public about the dangers of drug abuse. The campaign encourages initiation of conversations in the home and at school around the danger of drugs and its impact on students and families.
Throughout the week in DeSoto ISD, schools will facilitate drug prevention curriculum and host activities regarding drug prevention focused on the campaign’s national theme: Your Future is Key, So Stay Drug Free.
Parents and community, can support this effort by:
-talking to kids about the dangers of drug use and abuse and setting clear rules about not using drugs.
-working together with the parents of your children’s friends to set common boundaries and monitor behavior so that rules are respected and reinforced.
-setting a good example for children by not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription.
-visiting www.redribbon.org to learn more and spread the message to family and friends.
Students can also commit to:
-understanding the dangers of drug use and abuse.
-respecting themselves and being drug free.
-spreading the word to family and friends about the importance of being healthy and drug-free.