The National D.A.R.E. Program Stops Discussing Marijuana

As the nation's attitude towards marijuana changes, with Washington and Colorado ending the prohibition on marijuana in their states, the national D.A.R.E. program is undergoing curriculum changes as well. In December marijuana use by adults becomes legal in Washington and Colorado, also that is when D.A.R.E. drops the discussion of marijuana use.

Pretty much every kid these days has been exposed to the D.A.R.E. curriculum in school for decades learning about 'just saying no' to tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Now as the nation moves forward, D.A.R.E. is dropping the discussion on marijuana.

Not only has the phrase, 'just say no' been proven to be ineffective the program has also been linked to self-esteem issues later in life. In the study, "Project DARE: No Effects at 10-Year Follow-Up" it was shown that, "Surprisingly, DARE status in the sixth grade was negatively related to self-esteem at age 20, indicating that individuals who were exposed to DARE in the sixth grade had lower levels of self-esteem 10 years later."

Not only that but the program has been shown to be ineffective at keeping youth away from tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and harder drugs which is what the program will now focus on. A separate study even showed some youth more inclined to experiment with drugs after being exposed to the DARE program!

So basically not only is D.A.R.E. making kids even more curious about these substances they are supposed to be 'saying no' to, but the program makes them lack self-esteem likely leading to substance abuse.

That doesn't seem like a great use of police resources or classroom time. Maybe it's time parents take time to discuss these issues with their children?

Did you take D.A.R.E? How effective was it for you?