The last week of October is designated as National Red Ribbon Week, this year it will be held from October 23rd-31st, 2010. Red Ribbon Week is designed to start educating children from a young age on the dangers and consequences of teen drug use, in hopes that as they grow up and are faced with being offered drugs they will be prepared to "Just Say No".
This year the National Family Partnership, sponsor of Red Ribbon Week, allowed about 300 students to participate in a contest to come up with a theme for the 2010 campaign. Hands down, the student ideas were overwhelmingly similar in theme, suggesting that teens are celebrating individuality and that choosing to use drugs is a personal choice. The theme for this year, the 25th anniversary, will be "I Am Drug-Free". The campaign logo also reads "See the Connections....Choices = Consequences".
Red Ribbon Week is a great opportunity to get involved and show your children that you have an opinion on drug use and support them in choosing to remain "Drug-Free". It is also a great time to consider drawing up a parent child contract about drug, alcohol, or substance abuse. This contract can be used for children of any age. In this contract you will want to be specific about the rules surrounding illegal substances, the rewards for obstaining, and the consequences should they ever choose to use any of the forbidden substances.
Teen drug abuse statistics confirm that teenagers are more likely to try drugs for the first time than adults. Teens that are more educated on the dangers and consequences of drugs, and given tools to be able to resist temptation or peer pressure are less likely to try drugs. Help your child stay away from drugs by setting an example, educating, supporting, communicating and involving yourself in their lives.
