ANTHC Substance Abuse Prevention program celebrates healthy teen choices
February 11, 2016Categories: Health Advocacy, Healthy People and Prevention
Did you know that 78 percent of Alaska high school students do not drink alcohol? Last week, ANTHC Substance Abuse Prevention program staff shared this fact and others for National Drug Facts Week, an opportunity to link students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, TV, movies, music, or from friends. A highlight of the program was a presentation from youth involved in the “Be [You]” media campaign that aims to celebrate the positive healthy decisions that our Alaska youth are making, such as the choice not to drink alcohol. Other ANTHC programs participated including ANTHC Tobacco Prevention and Control, ANTHC Injury Prevention and ANTHC HIV/STD Prevention, along with community partner Alaska Wellness Coalition. Be [You] is a statewide media campaign that seeks to prevent and reduce underage drinking among youth by challenging the misconception that most teens drink alcohol. People often overestimate the prevalence of risky behaviors among their peers. Research shows that misconceptions like these can actually increase unhealthy behaviors. ANTHC has supported the program which shares the message through videos and audio messages played on local television stations, in movie theaters and on the Pandora music app. They are also available at beyoualaska.com.