By now you have probably seen posters at LFHS to inform students about the number of their peers who do not drink alcohol.  Focusing on the positive does not minimize the problem of underage alcohol use. It’s important to communicate the seriousness of substance abuse in conjunction with the fact that the majority of students do not drink.  Over exaggerating alcohol use may stir up concern, but it does nothing to help reduce it. An effective way of reducing use is honest communication that serves to de-normalize underage drinking behavior. Most students are alcohol free – and that’s the truth.

The social norms campaign continually works to educate students and staff alike about the power that our perceptions have over our actual choices and behaviors – and why making decisions based on real data is important.  To learn more about social norms marketing, please contact Maggie Harmsen or Dan Maigler!