Teen theatre for prevention: a model for addressing adolescent risk issues

National, state, and local governments have responded to this alarming news by implementing educational programs in the public schools, usually in health classes. Students have been showered with pamphlets, leaflets, booklets, and flyers warning them of the dangers of substance abuse and other destructive behavior. Public service announcements on radio and television also target teenagers by sending positive messages, usually by way of popular celebrities. Schools have implemented programs such as Red Ribbon Week in October, which promotes a drug and alcohol free week, as well as the Great American Smoke-Out and a health awareness week in March.

These programs focus on two things: information and action. If the students get the proper information, then appropriate action will follow. Unfortunately, this has not been successful with adolescents. Pat Socia, national consultant for Project Respect, states, "Knowledge alone does not affect adolescent behavior in a positive manner." Experimentation with drugs and other destructive behavior accompanies specific stages in the adolescent's sociological, psychological, and physiological development. The struggle for identity, the need for acceptance, and the fear of rejection by the peer group dominate their thoughts.