The
Task Force On
Gangs And Youth Violence
~ Does
D.A.R.E.
Work? ~
Drug Awareness and Resistance
Education
You can visit the official D.A.R.E. web site, read Ken Dail's perceptive remarks regarding D.A.R.E. or read on to find out whether the D.A.R.E. curriculum works or not.
The D.A.R.E. (Drug Awareness and Resistance Education) program is offered in the public schools of many American communities to children in grades 4, 5, and 8. Does it work? Here are the findings from Nebraska, Ohio, and Illinois.
Nebraska D.A.R.E. evaluation funded by Bureau of Justice Assistance found:* 92% of the parents believed that D.A.R.E. had reduced their child's chance of using drugs.
* Surveys found parents talked to their children about D.A.R.E.
* 98% of the parents indicated they would recommend D.A.R.E.
* 90% of the parents indicated D.A.R.E. had impacted their child's attitude NOT to use drugs.
Ohio D.A.R.E. evaluation by Ohio State University and Ohio Criminal Justice Services found:
* 90% of teachers and principals felt D.A.R.E. made a positive difference in students' attitudes about drugs.
* 75% of teachers and principals believe D.A.R.E. has delayed students' use of illegal substances.
* 80% of teachers and principals believe D.A.R.E. has made a difference in students' ability to resist peer pressure.
* 72% of D.A.R.E. 11th graders were in a low risk category for substance use as compared to 58% of non-D.A.R.E. students.
* D.A.R.E. 11th graders were more likely to report their parents were involved in school events.
Illinois State Police - University of Illinois at Chicago found:
* Negative attitudes toward drug use, gangs, and violence were attributed to the D.A.R.E. program.
* Students were more aware of media influences promoting alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
* D.A.R.E.students reported stronger peer pressure skills or the ability to say "no."
* Students who participated in D.A.R.E. were LESS likely to use alcohol than students who did not have D.A.R.E.