School-based
Prevention Programs
Recent
studies show that the problem of inhalant use continues to
rise and the need for more education in the classroom is increasingly
apparent. With the help of informed educators and a quality
program, educators can take this dangerous opponent to bat,
and make significant changes in the rising rate of inhalant
use. Isabel Burk, a drug prevention consultant, has developed
guidelines for school professionals who talk to students about
inhalants. In addition to ascertaining students' knowledge
at each level and building on existing skills and informations,
she suggests the following strategies:
Ages
4 to 7:
Teach about oxygen's importance
to life and body functioning.
Discuss the need for parental supervision and
adequate room ventilation for cleaning products, solvents,
glues and other products.
Be a good role model; let students see you
reading labels and following instructions.
Ages
7 to 10:
Define and discuss the
term "toxic"; students can practice reading labels and following
instructions.
Teach about oxygen's importance to life and
functioning, with emphasis on body systems and brain functions.
Discuss the need for parental supervision,
following directions and adequate room ventilation.
Be a good role model; let students see you
reading labels and following instructions.
Discuss and discourage "body pollution" and
introducing poisons into the body.
Ages
10 to 14:
Discuss negative effects
of oxygen deprivation.
Teach/reinforce peer resistance skills.
Discuss environmental toxins and personal safety
issues.
Ages
14 to 18:
Describe and discuss implications
of other gases replacing oxygen in the blood.
Describe and discuss short/long-term effects
of inhaling toxic products.
Describe and discuss negative effects of volatile
chemicals on fatty brain tissue.
Where appropriate, offer access to counselor
or other qualified professional.
Respond to questions concerning specific products
by describing negative effects and consequences.
In
addition to the information listed above, there are some
definite DOs and DON'Ts to school-based prevention programs.
DO
Review school policy regarding
drug use and referral service
Provide training for all school staff as well
as parents
Start prevention efforts, by age 5, minimum
Link inhalants to safety or environmental issues
Ascertain current level of knowledge
Teach and reinforce appropriate skills
reading labels
safety precautions
following directions
decision-making skills
recognition of poisons/toxins
refusal skills
awareness of physical symptoms
DON'T
Glamorize or promote usage
Rely on scare tactics
Tell too much, too soon
Give details on "how to use" or trendy products
being abused
Limit prevention to secondary grade levels
Link inhalants with drugs or a drug unit
SOURCE:
Isabel Burk, M.S., CHES, The Health Network
