Red Ribbon Week is the celebration of living a drug-free life that happens each year between October 23-31. The theme this year is “Drug Free Looks Like Me.” Parents and teachers can have a major impact on kids by taking time to educate them on the benefits of living drug-free and reminding them that most teens never choose to use drugs.
Here are a few ideas to spark conversations this week:
For parents:
1. Talk about what Red Ribbon Week means
Talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol now so they’re prepared to make their own choices and resist peer pressure later. If that conversation seems like a challenge, check out these resources to get a conversation started at any age.
Talk. They hear you.
Growing up Drug-Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention.
2. Eat Dinner Together
Youth who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. For recipes, games and conversation starters, check out The Dinner Table Project.
3. Celebrate with Arts and Crafts
Printable drug free coloring pages are available at this website. Make crafts using red ribbons like ribbon wands, or make a paper award and include a drug free message.
4. Sign the Pledge
Sign and share photos of the pledge to be drug free using #LivingDrugFree. Link to printable pledge here.
For Schools:
1. Get Everyone in the School Involved
Ask teachers of all subjects to highlight the benefits of living a drug-free life. Art projects involving red ribbons, science lessons on brain development and the impact of different drugs can all start conversations. Utilize resources like the Natural High video series and Ask Listen Learn downloadable lesson plans.
2. Get Creative
Celebrate the week with art displays of red ribbons, door decorations or banners. Theme days can also be a great conversation starter.
3. Make it a contest
Encourage student participation in Red Ribbon Week by making schoolwide activities a contest, offering a prize or promoting participation in the 2021 RRW photo contest.
4. Organize a Scavenger Hunt
Make it fun! Increase student’s knowledge of the consequences of drugs and the benefits of living a drug-free life by having students hunt for facts posted around the school or in classrooms.
For Additional information, check out New Vista’s Prevention resources or visit redribbon.org.
