School Assembly Programs during Red Ribbon Week are vitally important as drug abuse can be clearly highlighted during the program. The information that is imparted to them will help them understand how important it is to avoid any contact with drugs. For a teenager or youth to develop to their full potential it is imperative that they live a healthy lifestyle by participating in physical activities and remaining drug free.
10.6% of youths between the ages of 12 and 17 are currently using illicit drugs. The younger the youths start using drugs the higher the dependency and abuse rates increase. Vicodin and OxyContin as well as Amphetamines are all examples of the kind of drugs used by youths in this age group. By arranging a Red Ribbon Week assembly, teachers and students can broaden their knowledge and begin to understand the affect of drug use and abuse.
Red Ribbon Week assemblies usually highlight the mental health consequences of drug use and abuse. If substance abuse starts at an early age, there is a greater chance of the abuser suffering from serious mental disorders before they reach the age of thirty.
During Red Ribbon Week assembly a lot of emphasis is placed on highlighting the effects of drug use and abuse by youths. Included in this, teachers or mentors express their disapproval of indulging in any kind of substance use and this attitude should be reinforced by the youth's parents. Youths that are constantly exposed to parents, teachers and mentors expressing their disapproval of drug abuse are much less likely to start experimenting and participating in drug related situations.
Red Ribbon Week assembly programs are designed to reinforce the importance of leading a drug free lifestyle as well as the potential to achieve more in life by being active.