We ask schools to do a lot of things in addition to preparing our kids to compete in the global economy. Schools have traditionally been thought of as the primary providers of comprehensive drug and alcohol prevention education. For example, teaching about the dangers of drugs and alcohol is included in the state education requirements of 37 states.

In April 2006, Join Together and Communitas Online, with funding from the Gift of the Magi Foundation, conducted a survey of 3,500 kindergarten through twelfth-grade educators in the U.S.

Based on the findings of our survey and other research, we conclude that schools should not be relied on as the primary element in the country's prevention efforts. We need a comprehensive approach that includes families, schools, and the community as a whole.

For teachers: Make sure you are getting the most out of the time you have available to you for alcohol and drug prevention. MORE > For parents: Work with your schools and other community institutions to prevent drug and alcohol use among children. At home, reinforce prevention messages your kids receive at school and in activities. MORE >