NCJ Number
190657
Date Published
November 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This publication describes programs designed to prevent youth drug use, as part of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.
Abstract
"Basketball: My Anti-Drug" was painted on the Rucker Park basketball court in New York City as a message for participants and fans at the 21st Entertainers Basketball Classic, the highest profile community basketball tournament in the country. Public service announcements by three National Football League players send antidrug messages to youth and their parents. Delaware's Division of Alcohol Abuse, Drug Prevention, and Mental Health has distributed 40,000 "Edge Cards" to be used by youth to receive discounts on a variety of activities that can supplant youths' time spent in drug use: dance and karate lessons, books, CDs, movies, and sports equipment. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has launched media literacy programs for youth, which prepare them to critique media messages that present illicit drugs, alcohol use, and tobacco use in a favorable way. At the 2001 national Scout Jamboree, participating scouts were encouraged to post on a giant scrolling signature board the interests and activities that prevent their use of drugs. In other anti-drug efforts, NSYNC, a well-known music group, spent time during its summer tour promoting its members' interests and activities that preclude their drug use; a program is being conducted to help children of substance abusers find a supportive adult or group; a program highlights the dangers of inhalants; lesson plans for teachers include anti-drug messages; parents are given materials that help them keep their kids drug-free; and youth are trained to instruct their peers about the dangers of drug use.