Teaching LifeSkills: Paige Carroll's Approach to Youth Drug Prevention
Empowering students to say no to drugs and alcohol requires more than telling them, “Just Say No!”
Imagine a world where telling kids to 'Just Say No!' actually worked. Unfortunately, reality is a bit more complicated. In this engaging episode, Paige Carroll from the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) sits down with Jennifer Kaucher to discuss a more effective approach to preventing substance abuse among youth. Carroll introduces us to Botvin’s LifeSkills, an evidence-based curriculum designed to equip students with essential skills like refusal techniques and self-esteem building.
Through 15 comprehensive sessions, students in the Reading School District and Berks County learn how to navigate the pressures of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Carroll shares her experiences from her first day teaching these classes, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs she’s witnessed. The episode doesn't shy away from addressing the deceptive tactics used by advertising companies to lure teenagers into using tobacco and electronic cigarettes, making it clear that prevention education needs to be multifaceted.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone interested in youth development, this episode offers valuable insights into effective prevention strategies. Carroll’s passion for her work and the tangible success of the LifeSkills program make this conversation both inspiring and informative. Tune in to discover how empowering young people with the right tools can make a real difference in their lives.