Creating Safe and Drug-Free Schools: An Action Guide - September 1996

A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Action Steps for Students

Students have an important role to play in ensuring that their schools are safe and orderly. They can take steps to help make their schools places where learning can take place without disruption and without the fear of being victimized or bullied. They can:

Participate in, or help develop, student government organizations and guidelines that promote a drug- and gun-free, safe, and orderly environment for learning.
Volunteer to serve on decisionmaking or advisory committees such as the group developing the overall Safe School Plan.
Become advocates for programs such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, peer assistance leadership, teen courts, or anger management.
Reduce conflict situations rather than making them worse. Practice good citizenship, and treat peers and teachers with respect.
Report weapon possession, drug use or sale, bullying threats or intimidation, victimization, gang activity, or vandalism to school authorities and parents.
Learn the consequences of gang involvement and alcohol, drug, and gun use and the methods for resisting alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Use this understanding to help other students avoid alcohol or drug use or seek help if they are already involved in alcohol or drugs.
Follow the school code of conduct, understand that rules are made for everyone, and recognize the consequences of violating the rules.
Whenever possible, travel with others to and from school and to special school events. Students must always be aware of their surroundings.
Work with teachers, principals, and other students in developing a community service program, where students give back to the community in a positive manner.
Encourage their parents to come to the school and be involved in activities that support the school.
Serve as a big brother/big sister, tutor, or mentor for a younger student.

-###-

[Action Steps for Schools]

[Action Steps for Parents]