Educating youth about drugs and alcohol is a critical aspect of substance abuse prevention, according to the American Council for Drug Education. Parents and school personnel can play key roles in educating young people about drugs, addiction and the associated health risks. By offering consistent, honest, and age-appropriate information, adults can help children make informed decisions about substance use as they move into adolescence and adulthood.
Significance
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), children should be educated about the causes and consequences of drug abuse through research-tested prevention programs. Since 1997, NIDA has studied the effectiveness of education programs, and this research shows that children benefit from ongoing educational experiences that address their learning needs at all developmental stages. Educational programs are especially critical for children who exhibit early risk factors for substance use, such as aggression, poor impulse control or poor school performance.
Types
Substance abuse education typically occurs in a variety of settings, including at home, at school and in the community, notes NIDA. Some education programs are designed for use with children as young as preschool age, and these focus on the development of effective academic and social skills. Programs for school-aged kids typically focus on teaching the facts about specific drugs and the health consequences of substance use. Some education programs are specifically designed to target high-risk youth and their families through school and community education.
Time Frame
The American Council for Drug Education suggests that parents begin educating their children about drugs and alcohol from an early age. Very young children should learn healthy lifestyle habits and should be encouraged to practice problem solving. Substance abuse education should continue through all phases of child development, and during the school years. Parents and schools can begin to educate young people with the basic facts about tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.
Warning
NIDA notes that there are key risk periods for drug abuse, and they typically occur during major transitional periods, such as advancing through grade levels, experiencing physical changes in adolescence, or suffering a loss or divorce in the family. It's critical that parents and school personnel are able to identify particularly vulnerable children to give these kids additional support with social and academic skills.
Expert Insight
Experts at NIDA have concluded that effective substance abuse education programs help reduce risk factors and improve protective factors for children who are at early risk for substance abuse. Children at high risk must often learn social skills and impulse control, and they need extra attention from caring adults. These children will respond best to a multifaceted approach that combines factual instruction regarding drugs and alcohol with interventions that encourage them to develop skills and personal strengths. Developing these skills may later help children avoid addiction.
References
- United Nations,Office on Drugs and Crime: School-based Education for Drug Abuse Prevention
- America Council for Drug Education: Facts for Parents
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents
- KidsHealth.org: Kids and Alcohol
