Do you know what factors may be contributing to student drinking in your school or community?

Correct misperceptions about use rates. As school-based prevention programs have become more guided by research, they have broadened their focus from the individual (as the root motivator to drink) to include environmental influences and social norms, in particular, the effects of peers. For example, studies show that sixth graders who overestimate the number of their peers who are drinking are more likely to drink than those students who believe that their peers do not approve of drinking. It is essential that schools take an active role in correcting these kinds of misperceptions to decrease alcohol use and increase the prevalence of healthy behaviors.

Promote activities to prevent boredom. One reason kids drink is to beat boredom. The school setting is the ideal environment to engage idle youth by providing supervised after-school and weekend activities that are challenging and fun. According to a recent survey of preteens, the availability of enjoyable, alcohol-free activities is a big reason for deciding not to use alcohol. If your school or community doesn’t offer many supervised activities, consider getting together with parents and young teens to help create some. Start by asking your students what they want to do, since they will be most likely to participate in activities that truly interest them. Find out whether churches or community organizations can help you sponsor a project.

Assist law enforcement in reducing availability. Youth can be engaged in reducing the availability of alcohol by working with local law enforcement in conducting random, periodic decoy and shoulder-tap operations. Consider forming a youth-led organization within the school that works in the local community to reduce alcohol availability. Often, youth can be some of the strongest advocates to alcohol prevention techniques, especially to business owners and policymakers.