Students can help fight drug use by:
· Participating in open discussions about the extent of the problem at their own school.
- Supporting a strong school antidrug policy and firm, consistent enforcement of rules.
- Setting a positive example for fellow students and speaking forcefully against drug use.
- Teaching other students, particularly younger ones, about the harmful effects of drugs.
- Encouraging their parents to join with other parents to promote a drug-free environment outside of school. Some successful parent groups have been started by the pressure of a son or daughter who was concerned about drugs.
- Becoming actively involved in efforts to inform the community about the drug problem.
- Starting a drug-resistance club or other activity to create positive, challenging ways for young people to have fun without drugs. Obtaining adult sponsorship for the group and publicizing its activities.
- Encouraging friends who have a drug problem to seek help and reporting persons selling drugs to parents and the principal.
Greenway Middle School,
Phoenix, Arizona
Greenway Middle School is in a rapidly growing area of Phoenix. The student population of 950 is highly transient.
Greenway developed a comprehensive drug prevention program in the 1979-80 school year. The program provides strict sanctions for students caught with drugs, but its main emphasis is on prevention. Features include:
- Teaching students about drugs in science classes; mini-units on why people use drugs and what treatment resources are available to drug users; distributing and discussing current literature on drugs; sponsoring a 1-day Prevention Fair in which community experts talk to students about drug prevention.
- Enrolling students and staff in the "All Star" training program where they learn how to resist peer pressure, make decisions for themselves, and develop plans for personal and school improvement.
- Providing counselor training for specially selected students; drug counseling for students who are using drugs.
Under Greenway's drug policy, first-time offenders who are caught using or possessing drugs are suspended for 6 to 10 days. First-time offenders who are caught selling drugs are subject to expulsion. The policy is enforced in close cooperation with the local police department.
As a result of the Greenway program, drug use and disciplinary referrals declined dramatically between 1979-80 and 1984-85. The number of drug-related referrals to the school's main office decreased by 78 percent; overall, discipline-related referrals decreased by 62 percent.