Alcohol Abuse Advice

Educating the Parents During Red Ribbon Week

Educating parents on drug and alcohol abuse is just as important as educating the youth. A Red Ribbon Week assembly provides the perfect platform to achieve both goals.  It is well documented that youths whose parents are strongly against drugs and alcohol are much less likely to start experimenting with illicit substances.

When planning a Red Ribbon Week assembly program, create activities that the students and parents can do together.  Arranging a pledge day is the perfect activity for students, parents and teachers to work together in promoting a drug free community as well as educating each other and the people around them.  Send everyone out in teams to walk around the neighborhood, going into businesses, homes and other schools. Hand out red ribbons and pamphlets as well  and get as many people as possible to sign a pledge against drug and alcohol abuse.

Invite an expert to the Red Ribbon Week assembly where parents will learn what symptoms to keep an eye out for, as well as what to do when confronted with a youth who displays these symptoms.  Many parents of youths who are illicit drug abusers often say, “If I had only realized earlier, then I could have done something about it.” This can be prevented by educating the parents on how to identify the signs of drug and alcohol abuse in their children.

Parents might be reluctant to take time out of their busy schedule to attend a Red Ribbon Week assembly. However, if there is an interesting activity planned that will peak both the parents and their children’s curiosity, then attendance will be much higher.  Choose an activity that will appeal to the parents mind set, either an expert speaker, an interesting theatre production, or create an opportunity for the parents to interact with teachers.