At the start of this school year in West Virginia, the state Department of Human Resources' Bureau for Behavioral Health and the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration rolled out programming and messages meant to prevent alcohol and other substance abuse by students.
According to the DHHR, evidence-based programs build students' resilience and encourage healthy alternatives to underage drinking and substance use, including Too Good for Drugs, Keep a Clear Mind, Botvin LifeSkills, and Positive Action. And, more than 90 schools receive tiered support through BBH-funded Expanded School Mental Health grants or West Virginia Department of Education Project AWARE grants (funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
"BBH aims to build protective factors like positive role models and a safe culture so that it is easier for all students to make good choices," said Dawn Frohna, BBH Commissioner. "We appreciate our partners including WVABCA that have joined us in our mission to help students thrive in their homes, schools, and communities."
School efforts are important, and could make a difference for some students. But there is no substitute for the example and expectations set by parents and guardians. Explain to your children why it is important for them to avoid substance use of any kind at this age. The law is only the start of the reasons for that.
But speaking of the law, parents must not fall into the trap that they are cooler or will keep kids safer if they play host to parties where alcohol is available. Don't do it. Explain to your kids why you won't do it. Teach them to avoid situations in which other parents haven't been so responsible.
They, their children, and maybe even a few of their children's friends will be better off for it.