Red Ribbon Week is a time to learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse. Below are several activities for drug safety, drug prevention awareness, and the dangers of drug abuse. Of the ideas included, you will find activities appropriate for all different ages - from elementary students through high school.
1. Create a Prevention Obstacle Course
This activity is a fun idea for tweens and teens to learn about the dangers of being under the influence. The obstacle course is like a simulation to see how drugs/alcohol can impair your senses and judgment.
Learn more: Guide, Inc.
2. Spirit Week
Hold a spirit week where students get to show their dedication to their opposition to drugs by dressing up with a different theme each day.
Learn more: Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher
3. SADD Chapter
Join or start a SADD Chapter in your school! SADD is a great program for middle and high school students to get involved in. Not only does it teach about making good choices, but it allows students to lead.
Learn more: SAAD
4. Create a Bulletin Board
Have students write about reasons to say no to drugs. Students can write and color the "Say NO to drugs" print out and create a bulletin board for the class or school.
Learn more: Tes.com
5. Bring in a Motivational Speaker
Motivational speakers can be one of the best ways to help students learn about the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol use. Hearing real stories and experiences from real people will only help strengthen drug prevention education in your school.
Learn more: Just Say Yes
6. Create A Graffiti Wall
Have students take a school-wide pledge. They can write on a large banner why they are pledging to be drug and alcohol-free and sign their names. The "wall" can be displayed in a common area to allow others to join in by making a public pledge to live a healthy lifestyle.
Learn more: Papillion La Vista Community Schools
7. Door Decorating Contest
Have each class create a slogan and design to share in their celebration of Red Ribbon Week! Classes can come up with creative drug-free messages.
Learn more: Greenville Middle School
8. Coloring Contest
Have students at school use their artistic abilities to compete in a coloring contest. Winners' works can be displayed in the hallway.
Learn more: The Counseling Teacher
9. Involve Parents
Bring in the parent community by sending home ideas for discussion during Red Ribbon Week. Discussion can include topics around peer pressure, risks of drugs, and family values.
Learn more: Ask, Listen, Learn
10. Learn About Drugs
Raise drug awareness with older students by teaching them about the effects of drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration has a "get smart about drugs" website that allows students to research and read about illegal drugs and understand the effects of drugs.
Learn more: Get Smart About Drugs
11. Use the Red Ribbon Week Tool Kit
The tool kit provides tons of resources to hold a successful celebration in your school or community. Use all or parts of the resource. Teach students about the history of the week, facts, and how to create a drug prevention campaign.
Learn more: United Sates Drug Enforcement Administration
12. Learn About the History
Learn about the history behind Red Ribbon Week and why it was started. Watch this Youtube video to learn about the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent, "Kiki" who was the inspiration behind the creation of the week!
Learn more: Mike Trinh
13. Selfie
Create a healthy selfie! Have students draw themselves in "selfie mode" by showing themselves engaging in a healthy activity. They can create comment hashtags. Allow students to do a gallery walk where they can "like" or comment on one another's "healthy selfies".
Learn more: Mrs. Smith's 5th Grade
14. BINGO!
For younger students, play a game of BINGO. The game is all about making good choices and how to "Just say no".
Learn more: West Creek PTA
15. Scenarios
You can use these scenarios in school or provide them to families to help lead discussions on the use of drugs and addiction. Drugfree.org is an expert on drug prevention and provides tips for starting prevention early.
Learn more: Drug Free
16. Coping with Stress
Teens are often stressed out which can lead to drugs or alcohol as a means to try and alleviate some of the stress. Use the lessons to help older students learn healthy ways of dealing with stress and straying away from a path towards drug use.
Learn more: National Institute on Drug Abuse
17. Drug Awareness Activities
Geared toward older students, Scholastic provides several readings for students to learn more about the danger of recreational drugs that they may think seem "fun". Engage students to learn more about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
Learn more: Scholastic
18. Pledge for Elementary
Have younger students use this writing prompt to make a pledge to be drug-free so they can be what they want when they grow up.
Learn more: West Creek PTA
19. Kahoot!
Play this game of Kahoot with teens to learn more about the facts of stress and drug abuse and how it relates to them.
Learn more: Teaching Expertise
20. Virtual Assembly
Hold a school assembly to celebrate Red Ribbon Week! There are several virtual assembly options so that the entire school can engage in the activity!
Learn more: Academic Entertainment
21. Education for School Administrators
Have student create their own public service announcements about different topics related to the week: saying no, the effects of drugs and alcohol, making good choices, peer pressure, etc. Kids love making videos and it's a fun way they can share what they learned with others!
Learn more: Too Good Programs
22. PSA Creation
Have student create their own public service announcements about different topics related to the week: saying no, the effects of drugs and alcohol, making good choices, peer pressure, etc. Kids love making videos and it's a fun way they can share what they learned with others!
Learn more: Differentiated Teaching
23. Plant Red Flowers
Plant the Promise gets kids outside planting red tulips as a way to honor the promise they are making to stay drug and alcohol-free.
Learn more: White Tulip
24. Pill or Candy?
Knowing the difference can save a life. Have a discussion with young students that sometimes pills and medicine can look like candy. This is why it is important to know what is going into your mouth. Red Ribbon Week happens close to Halloween so it is a good time to discuss and learn.
Learn more: California Poison Control System
25. Essay Contest
Use this template to hold an essay contest at your school. You can have a variety of topics or prompts or have students create their own related themes of Red Ribbon Week.
Learn more: Ring Gold
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