Policy IHAMC: Teaching about Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs

In accordance with state and federal law, the District shall provide age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, evidence-based alcohol, tobacco, and drug (hereby defined as controlled substances and misuse of prescription medications) prevention education programs.

The alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention program shall address the legal, social, and health consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, with emphasis on nonuse by school-age children. The program also shall include information about effective techniques and skill development for delaying and abstaining from using, as well as skills for addressing peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

The objectives of this program, as stated below, are rooted in the Committee’s belief that prevention requires education, and that the most important aspect of the policies and guidelines of the District should be the education of children and youth on healthy decision-making:

• To prevent, delay, and/or reduce alcohol, tobacco, and drug use among children and youth.
• To increase students’ understanding of the legal, social, and health consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
• To teach students self-management skills, social skills, negotiation skills, and refusal skills that will help them to make healthy decisions and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.

The policy, and any standards and rules enforcing the policy, shall be prescribed by the school committee in conjunction with the superintendent.

This policy shall be posted on the district’s website and notice shall be provided to all students and parents in accordance with state law. Additionally, the district shall file a copy of this policy with DESE in accordance with law in a manner requested by DESE.

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:1 ;71:96

CROSS REFS: GBECA:  Personnel: Alcohol and Drug Testing

                        JICI: Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use by Students Prohibited

Approved by Regional SC:  January 10, 2017