Red Ribbon Week
Make prevention part of everyday school life.
Prevention isn't just a presentation, program or special event. It's the everyday work of creating a school where students feel connected, supported and prepared to make healthy choices. Parents Lead gives schools practical tools to build prevention into classrooms, policies, family engagement and schoolwide activities.
Prevention starts at school
Small, consistent actions can make a big difference.
Prevention can be built into the everyday experiences that shape a student's school life:
- Build connection — Create relationships where students feel seen, heard and supported.
- Teach skills — Help students practice healthy decision-making, coping and problem-solving.
- Create supportive environments — Review policies, expectations and practices through a prevention lens.
- Engage families — Give parents and caregivers simple ways to reinforce healthy behaviors at home.
- Respond early — Know the signs that a student may be struggling and connect them with support.
- Keep it going — Make prevention part of the school year, not just a special event.
Back-to-school resources
A new school year is a chance to reconnect and start conversations. Find resources to help students feel supported, strengthen family connections and build a school culture where prevention happens every day.
What are you looking for?
Selecting a topic will automatically take you to a new page.
How can my school use it?
Use Parents Lead in ways that fit your school.
Whether you have five minutes, a classroom period or a whole-school initiative, Parents Lead gives you resources you can put to work.
In the classroom
Conversation starters, activities and lessons that help students build skills and connect with trusted adults.
With families
Ready-to-share resources that help parents and caregivers continue important conversations at home.
Schoolwide
Ideas and resources to build a culture of connection, prevention and well-being.
For events
Resources for family nights, awareness campaigns, prevention weeks and other school events.
Help Prevent Suicide in Your School
Every school has a role to play in suicide prevention. The Suicide Prevention & Response: A Toolkit for Schools gives school staff practical tools to recognize warning signs, respond when a student is struggling and connect students and families to support.
Use the toolkit to strengthen suicide prevention, prepare your staff and help students know they are not alone.