PreVenture: Tailoring Prevention to Teens' Personalities
PreVenture is about helping kids make good decisions in their lives. It's about empowering them, about giving them the tools to make the right choices.
Imagine a world where drug and alcohol prevention programs actually resonate with teens. That's the vision behind PreVenture, a groundbreaking initiative that targets at-risk youth based on their unique personality traits. In this episode of Cover 2 Resources, host Greg McNeil sits down with Bay Village Middle School Principal Aaron Ereditario, teacher Chris Mullarkey, and former high school principal Jim Cahoon to explore how this innovative program is making waves in Northeast Ohio.
For years, schools have poured millions into prevention programs like D.A.R.E. and the 'Just Say No' campaign, only to find them largely ineffective. In some cases, these one-size-fits-all approaches have even backfired, triggering substance use in teens with certain personality types. Enter PreVenture, an evidence-based program that identifies at-risk teens through personality-based screening and equips them with the tools to make healthier choices.
During the 2018-2019 school year, Bay Middle School began rolling out PreVenture, and the results have been promising. In this episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts from the educators who brought this program to life. They discuss the meticulous process of selecting and implementing PreVenture, the challenges they faced, and the successes they've seen so far. But it's not just about the program itself; it's about the broader implications for drug and alcohol prevention.
The conversation touches on why traditional methods often fall short and how a more personalized approach can make a real difference. They also address parental concerns and the importance of fostering hopefulness in students. If you're curious about how tailored prevention programs can transform lives, this episode is a must-listen. It's a deep dive into a new frontier of prevention that could very well be the key to keeping our youth safe and healthy.