Red Ribbon Week is the starting point. Prevention is every day.
Red Ribbon Week gives schools a great opportunity to talk with students about healthy choices, substance use prevention and the importance of making positive decisions. But prevention shouldn’t end when Red Ribbon Week does.
Tip
Use Red Ribbon Week as the launch point for year-round prevention.
Start with the Basics
What is Prevention?
- Prevention = taking steps to reduce risks and strengthen protective factors before problems arise.
- It can focus on many areas: substance use, bullying, mental health, peer pressure, and more.
- Think of it as building resilience and healthy habits rather than just telling students what not to do.
Why Prevention Matters
Prevention helps create a school environment where students feel connected, supported and safe. Schools can strengthen protective factors through relationships, belonging, healthy coping skills and positive expectations. And you don't need another program to make prevention part of your school culture.
How Your School Can Bring Prevention into Action
Prevention is most effective when it's part of everyday school life. Here are practical ways to get started.
Bring Prevention Into the Classroom
Make prevention part of every subject and activity
Build a Prevention-Minded School
Look at policies, culture and system to support student well-being.
Turn Red Ribbon Week Into a Prevention Week
Make Red Ribbon Week more than a one-week event. Explore five simple ways to connect with students, involve families and build prevention skills that can last all year.