National Anti-Drug Campaign Not SuccessfulThe National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign's television ads, designed to keep young children and teens away from marijuana, have not only failed in their purpose but may have actually increased teens' risk of trying the drug, a new study concludes. The Health Behavior News Service reported Oct. 16 that despite the $1 billion poured into the media campaign by Congress since 1999, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that exposure to the advertisements had no effect on deterring kids from experimenting with marijuana. From Join Together Editorial CommentThis reminds me of an old psych professor who used to say that negative reinforcement is still reinforcement. The seeming failure of the ad campaign has more to do with their approach then the effectiveness of social marketing. They should take these findings and rework the campaign, reinforcing the positive choices kids make as opposed to more drug imaging.
|
OneStory ProjectWe are capturing the stories of children and others impacted by someone's alcoholism or alcohol addiction. First, check out current entries in the OneStory Project. Then get in touch and learn how to share your story (anonymous is fine). Support us!Please consider making a donation to Families in Recovery. We are a federally recognized 501c3 charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible and will allow us to do our important work. Please note, you do not need to have a Paypal account to make a donation.
|
