Red Ribbon Week: practice a way to say no
Skip the lecture. Leave this talk with words your teen can use to decline an offer and a clear way to reach you for help. Red Ribbon Week is October 23–31 each year.
- Time
- 20 min
- Cost
- $0 with paper and a phone you have
- Ages
- 13 and up
- Where
- At home
What you need
- Paper and a pen for your family help plan
- Your phone and your teen's phone, if they have one
Before you start
- Stay calm and listen. AAP recommends frequent talks outside the heat of the moment, without scare tactics or shame.
- Help is available. If you are worried about substance use or changes in your teen's mood, sleep, appetite or school life, talk with their pediatrician.
- Keep a ride available. AAP says teens should never drive impaired or ride with someone who is, and should be able to call a trusted adult for a ride.
Steps
- Ask what they have heard. Ask what they have heard about Red Ribbon Week. Listen without asking for classmates' names. 3 min.
- Say your rule and your reason. State your no-use rule and why you care. Invite questions; write down anything you cannot answer. 3 min.
- Practice their own words. Practice declining an offer in their own words, then leaving and contacting a trusted adult. Switch roles. 5 min.
- Write the ride plan. Write your number and an agreed backup adult's. Practice finding the contact and asking for a ride. 5 min.
- Close and come back to it. Have them explain the help plan. Ask what would make calling easier. Choose a time to check in again. 4 min.
If it stalls
- If they roll their eyes, keep just the ride plan today. Try the questions another time, without a lecture about their reaction.
- If role-play feels awkward, let them write a reply instead. Read it only if they want to share it.
Our contact
backup adult
Signed off: can do this.Signed by Date