2008 Red Ribbon Week Media Kit

Talking Points

Red Ribbon Week

In February 1985, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by drug traffickers in Mexico, bringing drug-related tragedy to one more American family. His death prompted many school students to wear red ribbons in his memory. Since 1988, Red Ribbon Week has been observed to honor Agent Camarena’s memory and families like his, and to unite Americans in support of a drug-free world.
During the week of October 23-31, millions of young people and adults will show their commitment to safe and healthy families and communities by wearing and displaying red ribbons.
This year’s Red Ribbon Week observance is a reminder for youth to resist alcohol, drug, and tobacco use in their lives and communities. Preventing substance abuse works best when it is comprehensive—when youth receive clear and consistent messages from all the influences in their lives: family, neighborhood, school, and community. When parents, educators, law enforcement, faith organizations, and community members unite in opposing illicit drugs, young people are much less likely to engage in drug use.

Youth, Alcohol, and Drugs

Young people who use alcohol and drugs are more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence, engage in unplanned and unprotected sex, experience school failure, or be seriously injured from driving or engaging in other risky behavior while impaired.
Youths who use alcohol or illegal drugs are more likely to be at risk for suicide.
Kids say that losing their parents’ respect and pride is one of the main reasons they don’t use alcohol and drugs.

How Parents and Other Caring Adults Can Help Keep Youth Drug Free

Talk to your child every day. The more you know about your child, the easier it will be to guide him or her toward more positive, skill-building activities and friendships. As a result, your child will be less likely to experiment with illegal substances. Practice active listening by paraphrasing what your child tells you.
Get involved in your child’s life. Spend at least 15 minutes a day in an activity that your child would like to do. Play a game together. Do something special together once a week. Praise your child for activities you ordinarily take for granted, such as helping set the table for meals or doing homework without being told.
Make clear, consistent, enforceable rules for your children. If your child hears you say “no,” it might be easier for that child to do the same when substances are offered to him or her.
“Walk the walk”—lead by example. If you want honesty, courage, discipline, and kindness from your children, you must show these qualities in your own life.
Teach your child how to resist peer pressure. Peers have a powerful influence on even the youngest children. In fact, youth say wanting to be accepted is a major influence regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Your child may make friends out of a need to fit in, overcome anxiety, or bolster his or her courage. As a parent, you can help your child by making it clear that you do not want him or her to use alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
Keep track of your child’s activities. Get to know your child’s friends and their parents. Know where your child is going, whom he or she will be with, and what he or she is doing. Establishing relationships with your child’s friends will put you in closer touch with his or her daily life.
Contact the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center to request free publications designed to help parents connect with their children to discourage substance abuse. Call 1-866-242-4111 or visit www.drugfreeinfo.org for more information.