Over the last 20 years, more kids are saying “NO” than ever before—with more than 6 out of 10 kids having never consumed alcohol. That’s a record low!

It’s National School Counseling Week! School counselors support their students in many ways, from addressing their academic questions to helping them manage emotions to empowering them to make healthy and responsible decisions.

The statistics don’t lie—underage drinking is down and the majority of kids don’t drink. The 2023 Monitoring the Future study found that alcohol consumption among America’s teens is at or near record low levels and below pre-pandemic prevalence rates.

As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31), let’s tap into kids’ natural curiosity about the developing brain and show them how alcohol and cannabis negatively affect it.

This year for Teacher Appreciation Week—just like in years past—we want to say two simple words to educators everywhere: THANK YOU

Celebrate the 20^th anniversary of empowering kids to say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking. In honor of 20 years of prevention education, we’re encouraging you to #Take20withKids.

Ask, Listen, Learn resources are ideal for starting and continuing conversations about alcohol and the negative effects of underage drinking and cannabis on their developing brains.

In honor of this special week, created by the Dana Foundation, start conversations about what the developing brain does, what alcohol does to it, and what that does to them.

Teaching kids how to advocate for themselves, make good decisions, set goals, and prioritize mental health can empower them to say YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.

Not only do school counselors support students in achieving academic and career success, but they also play a critical role in prevention education and in helping students socially and emotionally.