RISD takes underage substance use, bullying, and violence seriously. The heartbreaking outcomes produced by substance use, bullying, and violence can change the trajectory of a young person’s life in the blink of an eye. There are several state and national prevention months/weeks in October. These are Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness month, Bullying Prevention month, and Red Ribbon week is October 22-31. Throughout October, students will receive lessons on substance abuse and bullying prevention in all grades. Students in 4th grade through 12th grade will receive substance abuse prevention lessons throughout the year.
Red Ribbon week will be held the week of October 22-31. The theme for this year is “Life is a Puzzle: Solve it Drug Free.” During this week, High school students in the Peer Helpers and PALS program will be going out to some elementary campuses to lead presentations on peer refusal skills (4-5) or the Safety Kids puppet show (K-3). Campuses throughout the district will be sending out more information about Red Ribbon Week.
Below are some resources you may find helpful as you have important conversations about bullying and substance prevention with your children and families.
- Fentanyl Awareness and Naloxone – This resource provides facts and information about the dangers of fentanyl, what to do to keep safe, and the importance and use of naloxone in an overdose.
- Parent and Community Prevention Toolkit – This toolkit is a way for parents to learn more about the vaping epidemic, gauge their child’s risk of trying e-cigarettes, and find the best strategy to talk to their child about e-cigarettes.
- RISD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Webpage – Resources for bullying prevention and RISD bullying reporting guidelines
- Tips for Parents/Caregivers on Talking to Students about Bullying
- RISD Drug Prevention and Intervention Webpage
- Partnership to End Addiction – Information to help parents intervene early to prevent substance abuse in children and teens
- Tips for Talking to Students about Substance Use – English
- Tips for Talking to Students about Substance Use – Spanish
