Red Ribbon Week: Pieces to Build Prevention
October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week and this year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free.” Since there are many pieces of the prevention education puzzle that need to come together to keep kids alcohol- and substance-free, here are 5 pieces to focus on to teach kids to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use.
Knowledge is Power
Know your stuff and stick to the facts when it comes to alcohol and underage drinking. Using information based on science and data means you’ll be a reliable source for your kid.
Have Conversations Early and Often
Early conversations make a difference, but don’t force it. Casual conversations that align with current events or pop culture make the topic less forced and formal.
Model Responsibility & Refusal Strategies
Kids are always watching. So model responsibility by being mindful of the language you use. Avoid saying things like “What a rough day—I need a drink” which sends a message that alcohol is a way to cope with stress.
Role-playing scenarios involving refusal strategies help kids practice saying “NO.” Ask your child how they might handle a situation involving alcohol in a social setting and help them role play responses based on safe and responsible choices.
Create a Home-School Connection
Kids don’t live in a vacuum, and a home-school connection is important to help kids feel supported and informed. Know what resources are available through your school and communicate with other trusted adults who work with your kids. School counselors and administrators are wonderful resources to help establish a home-school connection that benefits kids.
Make Mental Health a Priority
Encourage kids to build healthy habits that support their mental well-being. One of the best ways to do this is by modeling and sharing positive coping strategies—like sticking to a consistent bedtime, staying active every day, and making time to talk about the highs and lows of the day.
It’s also important to normalize conversations about mental health. Let kids know it’s okay to ask for help and talk about how they’re feeling. When you do this, you’re showing them that mental health matters just as much as physical health—and helps break down the stigma that can keep people from getting the support they need.
Using each of these pieces of prevention education to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to harmful risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use is a team effort. We are grateful for your continued partnership during Red Ribbon Week and throughout the year!
Explore the Ask, Listen, Learn site for more resources for parents, educators, and kids and check our Ask, Listen, Learn Kahoot! and YouTube pages to learn how alcohol and marijuana impact kids’ developing brains.